Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, famously known as Evans, alongside his co-defendant Joseph Emeka, has opted for a plea bargain agreement in a case involving murder and attempted kidnapping before an Ikeja high court.
The proceedings for their re-arraignment, scheduled for Thursday, were postponed due to the absence of Evans’s counsel.
The lead state counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, informed the court that both defendants had applied for a plea bargain. Sule mentioned that the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), was considering this option.
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Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case until June 13 for the re-arraignment of Evans and Emeka, directing Evans to ensure the presence of his counsel in court on that day.
She emphasized the importance of his counsel’s attendance, stating that there was no excuse for their absence.
The absence of Evans’s counsel led to the striking out of the case against the third and fourth defendants.
Evans and Emeka were set to be re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
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While counsel for the second defendant, Mr. Nelson Onyejaka, was present in court, Sule expressed uncertainty about the reason for Evans’s counsel’s absence.
He informed the court about the defendants’ plea bargain application and the consideration by the attorney general.
Evans and Emeka had previously stood trial before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo before her retirement. They were accused of killing Messrs. Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi on August 27, 2013, in Festac Town, Lagos State, as well as attempting to kidnap the Chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors, Chief Vincent Obianodo.
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In February 2022, Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja high court sentenced Evans to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Chief Donatus Dunu, the CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In September 2022, Evans was sentenced by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo to 21 years in prison for kidnapping businessman Slyvanus Ahamonu and extorting $420,000 in ransom from his family.
The pursuit of a plea bargain suggests a potential shift in the legal strategy of Evans and Emeka, signaling a new phase in their ongoing legal battle.