According to Premium Times, On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Ikeja High Court adjourned until March 20 to consider a plea bargain application submitted by convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, commonly known as Evans. This decision followed the re-arraignment of Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, on an amended five-count charge that includes 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 commencing de novo and requested the continued remand of the defendants. He also noted that both defendants had applied for a plea bargain through their respective legal representatives.
Evans’ counsel, Emefo Etudo, highlighted his client’s efforts toward rehabilitation during his incarceration. Etudo revealed that Evans had utilized educational opportunities provided by the Federal Government, earning a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics, thereby becoming a certified teacher. He further disclosed that Evans is currently a 200-level Political Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and has acquired vocational skills in welding and metal fabrication under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Etudo emphasized that Evans is remorseful and seeks leniency through the plea bargain application.
Justice Adenike Coker acknowledged the receipt of the plea bargain application and commended the defense counsel for advising their client appropriately. She subsequently adjourned the case to March 20 for a report on the plea bargain application.
Evans has previously been convicted in other kidnapping cases. In February 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Donatus Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Additionally, in September 2022, he received a 21-year prison sentence for kidnapping businessman Sylvanus Ahamonu and extorting $420,000 in ransom from his family.
The upcoming hearing on March 20 will determine the court’s stance on Evans’ plea bargain application and his potential for leniency based on his claimed rehabilitation efforts.
