Evans, Convicted Kidnap Kingpin and 200-Level Student, Claims Reform After NECO Success and Seeks Plea Bargain
Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, a notorious kidnap kingpin, has sought a plea bargain with the Lagos State Government in the hopes of resolving his lengthy trial. This was revealed during his re-arraignment at the High Court in Ikeja.
Evans was re-arraigned on five amended charges, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, all brought against him by the Lagos State Government.
In court, Evans’ lawyer, Emefo Etudo, described his client as a remorseful individual who has turned his life around. Etudo revealed that Evans, now a 200-level student at the National Open University, achieved top grades in all his NECO exams while incarcerated, thanks to a scholarship provided by the Federal Government. He further suggested that Evans be allowed to speak at schools across the state to educate young people about the dangers of crime.
The prosecution, represented by Sule Yusuf, informed the court that the case would proceed afresh, with a re-arraignment of the defendants. They are accused of killing Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi in FESTAC Town, Lagos, on August 27, 2013. Both Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their not-guilty plea, the prosecution requested that the defendants remain in custody while their plea bargain applications were reviewed. Etudo confirmed that Evans had submitted his plea bargain request to the Lagos State Government through the Attorney-General’s office.
After the proceedings, Etudo spoke to the press, emphasizing that Evans had undergone significant reform, facilitated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government’s scholarship program. “Evans has been transformed,” Etudo stated, highlighting the efforts that contributed to his client’s rehabilitation.
The court has adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for a possible trial.
