The Ikeja High Court on Thursday adjourned proceedings to March 20 to consider a plea bargain application filed by convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the matter after Mr Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
State Counsel Yusuf Sule informed the court that the case would start afresh and requested the continued remand of the defendants. He also disclosed that the defendants had applied for a plea bargain through their counsel.
Evans’ counsel, Emefo Etudo, revealed that his client had been pursuing education while in custody, earning a National Certificate in Education (NCE) and expressing ambitions to further his studies up to a PhD level.
“The Federal Government has given the first defendant a second chance by awarding him a scholarship, Mr Etudo said. “If Evans is given another opportunity, he will not misuse it.”
Justice Coker acknowledged receipt of the plea bargain application and commended the defence counsel for advising their client to seek resolution through a plea bargain.
The case has been adjourned to March 20 for a report on the plea bargain discussions with the Lagos State Government.
Evans is currently serving multiple prison sentences for high-profile kidnappings. In February 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Chief Donatus Dunu, CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In September 2022, he received a 21-year prison sentence for abducting businessman Chief Sylvanus Ahamonu and extorting $420,000 as ransom.
Despite these convictions, Evans is still facing trial in two other kidnapping cases.
