Billionaire Kidnap Suspect Evans Back to Court,Makes Plea Bargaining

By: Abdulsalam Abdulquadri.

Convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, and his co defendant Joseph Emeka, have opted for a pleading in their ongoing trial for murder and attempted kidnap. 

This was revealed on Thursday when the case was called for re-arraignment before Justice Adenike Coker of Ikeja high court.

According to the state lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, the defendants have applied for a plea bargain, and the terms are currently look into by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN). 

He said that, the case was initially scheduled for re-arraignment on an amended five count charges on murder, attempt to murder, conspiracy to commit felony, wit: kidnapping and attempt to murder.

“I am aware that the defendants have applied for a plea bargain, but it is being considered by the attorney-general,

“We have an amended charge, my lord, because the fourth defendant has been convicted while the third defendant died in prison.

“We shall be asking for another date for the re-arraignment of the defendants.” Sule Said.

However, at the court session, the re-arraignment was stalled due to the absence of Evans’ counsel.

Adenike Coker, presiding judge, adjourned the case until June 13 for the re-arraignment of Evans and Emeka.

She said “In view of the absence of counsel to the first defendant, this case is hereby adjourned until June 13, and the first defendant is directed to ensure his counsel is in court."

“There is no excuse for his absence.In the light of the amendment charge before the court, the case against the third and fourth defendants is struck out.” The Judge Ended.

Open Television recalls that Evans and his co-defendant Joseph Emeka were on February 25, 2022, sentenced to life imprisonment.

They allegedly killed one Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi on August 27, 2013, in the Festac Town area of Lagos.

They were also charged with the attempted kidnapping of Vincent Obianodo, chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors.

In February 2022, Akeem Oshodi, an Ikeja high court judge, convicted Evans and two others on two counts of conspiracy and kidnapping.

Along the line they were found guilty of kidnapping Donatus Dunu, chief executive officer (CEO) of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

The prosecution said they kidnapped Dunu in Lagos on February 14, 2017, and collected £223,000 (N100 million) as ransom from his family.

However, on February 25, 2022, they were both sentenced to life imprisonment