Senator Ike Ekweremadu, 60, and his wife Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, have both pleaded not guilty to the charge of exploitation. They were alleged to have transported a 21-year-old David Ukpo from Nigeria to the UK.

British prosecutors had accused the couple of plotting to harvest a man’s kidney, and both are now facing trial at the Old Bailey.

Prosecutors claim they planned to have his kidney removed so it could be given to their daughter.

Initial investigations and allegation said the person was a 15-year-old child but documents from relevant agencies in Nigeria showed he’s 21.

The man is said to have refused to consent to the procedure after undergoing tests at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north-west London, reports PA Media.

The Ekweremadus allegedly treated him as a slave before he escaped and went to Staines police station in Surrey.

The couple were arrested at Heathrow Airport on June 21 after arriving on a flight from Turkey and appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Ike Ekweremadu is charged with conspiracy to arrange or facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, while his wife is charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

The couple were not asked to enter pleas, but the court heard they have indicated not guilty pleas.

They deny the alleged facts and that there was a criminal conspiracy, and will say no exploitation occurred, it was said.

Deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram remanded them in custody ahead of their next appearance at the Old Bailey, for a plea and trial preparation hearing, on August 4.

Additional reports by PA Media