High-Profile Case: Kidnap Kingpin Evans Re-Arraigned Over Policemen’s Murder
On January 30, 2025, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans, was re-arraigned before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja. He faces a five-count charge, including the alleged murder of two police officers and the attempted kidnapping of Chief Obianodo Vincent, owner of Young Shall Grow Transport Company. Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Evans’ new legal representative, Chief Emefo Etudo, informed the court of his client’s application for a plea bargain, which encompasses three pending criminal cases and two others on compassionate grounds. Etudo highlighted Evans’ transformation during his incarceration, noting that he has earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and is currently a 200-level Political Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria. Additionally, Evans has acquired skills in welding and metal fabrication through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
Etudo proposed that a fresh charge be filed against Evans, to which he would plead guilty in exchange for a 14-year imprisonment term. He further requested that this sentence run concurrently with any other sentences Evans might have received in related cases. The court, presided over by Justice Adenike Coker, has scheduled the next hearing for March 20, 2025, pending the Lagos State Government’s decision on the plea bargain application.
This re-arraignment adds to Evans’ legal challenges, as he has previously been convicted in two separate kidnapping cases.