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

Thu, Oct 10, 2024
By editor
2 MIN READ

Judiciary

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports 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.

NAN reports 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. (NAN)

10th October, 2024.

C.E.

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