Hearing on Kidnap Kingpin Evans’ Plea Bargain Application Delayed

The plea bargain application hearing for convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was postponed on Thursday due to the absence of legal advice.

The application was filed before a Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square by Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka.

Evans, Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara face a five-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder brought by the Lagos State Government.

During the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel M. O. Olateju informed the court that the prosecution was awaiting advice from the plea bargain committee.

He requested a further date for the advice to be ready. “We shall be asking for a further date for the hearing of the plea bargain by the first and second defendants,” Olateju said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evans and Emeka had sought a plea bargain regarding the charges against them.

However, Mrs. A. C. Enueshike, counsel for the third defendant, expressed readiness to proceed with the trial. “We have heard the submission of the prosecution and we are ready to proceed for trial,” Enueshike stated.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike adjourned the case until October 17 for further hearing. The trial, initially overseen by Justice Akintoye at the Igbosere High Court, was relocated following the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, during which the court was set on fire.

According to the prosecution, the defendants committed the offences on September 7, 2015, at 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos. They allegedly kidnapped Mr. James Uduji and extorted a ransom of $1.2 million. Additionally, the defendants are accused of attempting to murder Mr. Donatus Nwoye by shooting him in the hand. The prosecution stated that these actions violated Sections 230, 271(3), and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.