An Ikeja High Court has adjourned the plea bargain hearing of convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, to March 20.
Justice Adenike Coker made the decision on Thursday after Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
State Counsel Yusuf Sule informed the court that the case was starting de novo (afresh) and requested the continued remand of the defendants. He also confirmed that Evans and Emeka had applied for a plea bargain through their legal representatives.
Evans’ counsel, Emefo Etudo, and Emeka’s counsel, Ms Catherine Udeh, did not oppose the prosecution’s request for remand. Etudo stated that their primary focus was to pursue the plea bargain application with the Lagos State Government.
“Our primary concern is to follow up on the plea bargain application on behalf of the defendants,” Etudo said. He further disclosed that Evans was furthering his education while in custody, having obtained a National Certificate in Education ,NCE, and expressed his ambition to pursue a PhD.
“If Evans is given a second chance, he will not misuse it,” he added.
The prosecution responded that the plea bargain request was under review by the relevant committee.
Justice Coker acknowledged receipt of the application and remarked that seeking a plea bargain was a reasonable legal strategy. The case was then adjourned to March 20 for a report on the plea bargain application.
*Previous Convictions and Ongoing Trials*
Evans has been convicted in multiple kidnapping cases. In February 2022, Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Chief Donatus Dunu, CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. In September 2022, another judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired), sentenced him to 21 years in prison for kidnapping businessman Chief Sylvanus Ahamonu and extorting $420,000 in ransom.
Despite these convictions, Evans is still facing trial in two additional kidnapping cases.
The News Agency of Nigeria previously reported that on November 21, 2024, the court suggested the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender could represent Evans due to his legal counsel’s repeated absence at hearings. The prosecution had also informed the court on May 11, 2024, that the plea bargain application was under review by Lagos State Attorney-General Lawal Pedro SAN.
The outcome of the plea bargain request will be determined in the next hearing on March 20.
Crediblenewsng.com
