The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has postponed the arraignment and plea bargain hearing of convicted kidnapping kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, until November 21.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case due to the absence of both Evans and his legal counsel, as well as the prosecution, which represents the Lagos State Government.
When the case was called, Mr. Nelson Onyejaka, counsel to Emeka, expressed surprise at the absence of the prosecution and Evans’ legal team. He informed the court that despite this, the plea bargain process was still being pursued.
Justice Adenike Coker, presiding over the case, ordered the issuance of a production warrant to ensure that the defendants appear for their re-arraignment regarding the plea bargain agreement. The court adjourned the case to November 21 for further proceedings.
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Earlier, on May 11, the prosecution had informed the court that Evans and his co-defendant had applied for a plea bargain deal. The amended charges against them include five counts related to murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro SAN, is currently reviewing the terms of the plea agreement.
Evans, notorious for his role in several high-profile kidnappings, has already been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in February 2022 for the abduction of Chief Donatus Dunu, CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Additionally, in September 2022, he received a 21-year prison sentence for kidnapping businessman Chief Sylvanus Ahamonu and extorting $420,000 in ransom from his family. Evans still faces trial in two other kidnapping cases before the Lagos High Court.
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