Convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has renewed his request for a plea bargain, claiming he has turned a new leaf.
In his plea submitted before Justice Sherifat Sonaike at the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, Evans stated that he now works as a teacher at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre after obtaining a diploma in economics from Yewa College of Education.
He expressed willingness to forfeit all his properties to the Lagos State Government, including 14 brand-new trucks, suggesting that the proceeds from their sale could be used to compensate his victims.
This marks Evans’ second attempt to seek a plea bargain on compassionate grounds. His first application, dated January 30, 2025, was presented before Justice Adenike Coker of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja.
Evans, who faces five criminal cases across various Lagos State courts, has already been convicted in two of them. One carries a life sentence, while the other resulted in a 21-year prison term.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Evans’ lawyer, Etudo Emefo, argued that his client is remorseful and has undergone significant transformation during his time in prison. He appealed to the Lagos State Government for leniency, emphasizing that without forgiveness, a Federal Government scholarship awarded to Evans would go to waste.
The lawyer disclosed that Evans had used the scholarship to earn a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and had taken up teaching at the correctional facility. Copies of his NCE certificate and project work were submitted as part of the plea bargain application.
The prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, confirmed that the Lagos State Government had received the application and formed a committee to review it. Counsel for Evans’ co-defendants also indicated their intention to seek plea bargains, although one of them had yet to submit the necessary documentation.
Evans and his co-defendants—Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara—are facing a five-count charge that includes conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder. The trial, which began afresh in January 2023 following the retirement of Justice Adedayo Akintoye, continues under Justice Sonaike.
The court has adjourned the case to April 17, 2025, for a report on the plea bargain or for trial proceedings if the plea bargain fails.