The Lagos State Government has re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, known as Evans, before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja for the murder of two police officers.
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were brought before Justice Adenike Coker on a five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution, led by Yusuf Sule, requested a date for the trial to commence. However, the judge sought an update on the status of Evans’ plea bargain application. The prosecutor informed the court that the matter was currently under review by a committee set up by the Lagos State Government.
In response, Evans’ lead defence counsel, Chief Emefo Etudo, stated that he had only recently taken up the case and that his primary focus was to secure a plea bargain for his client rather than proceed with a full trial. He explained that Evans’ application for a plea bargain pertained to three pending criminal cases, with an additional two cases being considered on compassionate grounds.
Chief Etudo further revealed that while in custody, Evans had obtained a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and expressed his willingness to pursue higher education up to a PhD level. He pleaded with the Lagos State Government to grant Evans a second chance, arguing that he could contribute to society by counselling young people against a life of crime.
Justice Coker acknowledged receipt of Evans’ plea bargain application and adjourned the case to 20 March 2025 for further hearing, when the committee’s report on the plea bargain would be ready.
Background on Evans’ Legal Troubles
The Lagos State Government has filed five separate criminal cases against Evans before different judges of the Lagos High Court.
In February 2022, Justice Hakeem Oshodi sentenced Evans to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Donatus Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In September 2022, another judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired), sentenced Evans to 21 years in prison for the abduction of businessman Sylvanus Ahamonu, for whom he collected a $420,000 ransom from the victim’s family.
Evans still has three other ongoing trials, including the current case before Justice Coker.