- Convicted kidnapper Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, applies for a plea bargain, citing academic achievements and remorse during incarceration
- Evans’ lawyer emphasizes his client’s transformation, stating he is now a 200-level student and wishes to engage in youth advocacy
Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has applied for a plea bargain with the Lagos State Government as his trial continues.
His lawyer, Emefo Etudo, disclosed this during Evans’ re-arraignment at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja on amended charges.
Etudo told the court that his client had transformed while in prison, earning top academic scores and pursuing higher education.
“He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful,” the lawyer said. “Presently, he is a 200-level student at the National Open University of Nigeria. He scored A1 in all his NECO exams while in prison, thanks to a scholarship awarded by the Federal Government.”
Etudo also appealed to the court to consider allowing Evans to engage in youth advocacy. “We have asked the Lagos State Government to allow him to visit schools across the state and educate young people about the dangers of crime,” he added.
Evans was re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The charges stem from allegations that on August 27, 2013, at about 10 p.m. in FESTAC Town, Lagos, Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, killed two individuals—Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi.
During the hearing, state prosecutor Sule Yusuf confirmed that Evans and Emeka had applied for a plea bargain.
“My Lord, I can confirm that the first defendant (Evans) has indeed applied for a plea bargain, which was served on us. We shall be examining it. The second defendant has also made a similar application,” Yusuf stated.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, despite their not-guilty pleas, for a possible trial.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Etudo emphasized that his client had undergone a remarkable transformation, crediting the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government for their support.
“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 said.
As the case continues, Evans’ legal team hopes that his alleged rehabilitation will be considered during the plea bargain process.
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