Convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has told the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja that he has repented from his criminal activities and has applied to the Lagos State Government for mercy.
Speaking through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, Evans made this statement after taking his plea on an amended five-count charge of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, filed against him by the Lagos State Government.
During Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecution, led by Sule Yusuf, informed the court that the matter was starting afresh (de novo) and sought permission for the defendants to be re-arraigned. Both Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Details of the Allegations
The Lagos State Government alleges that on August 27, 2013, at about 10:00 p.m., along 3rd Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos, Evans and Emeka murdered Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi. The prosecution is seeking to convict them on these charges.
Following their plea, Yusuf asked the court to remand the defendants and confirmed that Evans had submitted an application for plea bargaining through his lawyer. Emeka had also made a similar request.
Evans’ Transformation Behind Bars
Addressing the court, Etudo argued that Evans had changed and was no longer the same man who once terrorized the public.
“Our focus in this matter is the plea bargain which we have submitted to the Lagos State Government. My client is now a repentant person. He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful,” the lawyer said.
He further disclosed that Evans had pursued education while in custody, enrolling as a 200-level student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He also reportedly excelled in the National Examination Council (NECO) exams, scoring A1 in all subjects under a Federal Government scholarship.
“My Lord, we have asked the Lagos State Government to grant him an opportunity to visit schools and educate young people about the dangers of crime,” Etudo added.
Lagos State to Review Plea Bargain Request
Prosecutor Sule Yusuf confirmed that the plea bargain application had been received and would be reviewed by the appropriate committee.
“My Lord, I can confirm that the first defendant (Evans) has indeed applied for a plea bargain, and it was served on us. We shall be examining it,” he stated.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case until March 20, 2025, for further proceedings.
Evans’ Lawyer: RCCG, FG Instrumental in His Reform
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Etudo credited Evans’ transformation to the efforts of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government, which supported his education.
“My client is now a changed man. His reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government, which gave him a scholarship to study and become a better person,” he stated.
The court will determine whether Evans’ repentance and academic progress are enough to grant him a plea bargain or if he will face the full weight of the law.
