The Lagos State Government has officially re‑arraigned convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, on charges relating to the murder of two police officers and associated offences.
New Charge and Court Appearance
Evans appeared before the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, alongside co‑defendant Joseph Emeka, on an amended five‑count charge that includes murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
During the hearing, both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution, led by Sule Yusuf, told the court that Evans has submitted a plea bargain application to the Lagos State Government, seeking to resolve the matter via negotiation rather than full trial.
Defence and Plea Bargain Request
Evans’ lead defence counsel, Chief Emefo Etudo, addressed the court, noting that his client has continued his education while in custody—earning a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)—and now aspires to pursue a PhD.
He urged the court to give Evans a second chance, expressing the defence’s preference to pursue the plea bargain option instead of a full trial.
Etudo argued that the plea bargain covers not only the present case but also three other pending criminal matters, along with two on “compassionate grounds.”
Next Steps & Court Schedule
Justice Adenike Coker, presiding over the matter, recognized the plea bargain application and scheduled March 20 for further hearing, by which time the committee reviewing the plea bargain is expected to submit its report.
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The judge also asked the prosecution to prepare for trial proceedings should the plea bargain bid be rejected.
Background & Previous Convictions
Evans is a high‑profile convict already serving sentences on other cases:
In February 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ikeja High Court under Justice Hakeem Oshodi for the kidnapping of Chief Donatus Dunu.
In September 2022, he also received a 21‑year jail term from another court under Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired) for a separate kidnapping case involving ransom payment.
Despite those convictions, Evans still faces several other pending trials.
