Alleged kidnapping: Absence of prosecution stall Evans’ plea bargain hearing

Hearing of the plea bargain agreement entered into by convicted kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (alias Evans), on Thursday, suffered a setback due to his absence.

It was reported that prosecution counsel and Evans’s co- defendant, Joseph Emeka, were also absent.

When the case was called, counsel to Emeka, Mr Nelson Onyejaka, told the court that he was surprised that prosecution counsel and the first defendant’s counsel were not present.

“I do not know whether they are not aware that the case is coming up today.

“We are still going with the plea bargain, my lord,” Onyejaka said.

Justice Adenike Cokers ordered that production warrant should be issued for re-arraignment of the defendants with regard to the plea bargain agreement.

Cokers adjourned the case until Nov. 21.

It was reported that prosecution had on May 11 informed the court that the defendants had applied for plea bargain agreement.

Evans and his co-defendant are to be re-arraigned on an amended five count bordering on murder, attempt to murder and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

The prosecutor, however, said the plea bargain terms were being considered by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).

Evans has been convicted and jailed for extensive kidnap activities.

In February 2022, an Ikeja High Court Judge, Hakeem Oshodi, sentenced him to life imprisonment for kidnap of Chief Donatus Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

In September 2022, another judge of the high court, Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired), sentenced Evans to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping a businessman, Chief Slyvanus Ahamonu, and collecting $420,000 as ransom from his family.

Evans is still standing trial in two other kidnapping cases before the Lagos High Court.