…Says He’s Now Reformed
Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has appealed to the Lagos State Government for a plea bargain, claiming he has turned a new leaf while in prison.
Evans, who was arrested in 2017 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022 for kidnapping, was arraigned before Justice Adenike Coker of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on Thursday.
He faces fresh charges of murder and attempted kidnapping alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Nkenna Emeka. Both pleaded not guilty.
His lawyer, Emefo Etudo, argued that Evans has transformed. “He is now a teacher and no longer a criminal,” he told the court, presenting evidence of Evans’ academic progress.
The notorious kidnapper reportedly earned an NCE in Economics and is a 200-level Political Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria.
Etudo urged the court to allow Evans to serve a reduced 14-year sentence, to run concurrently with his existing convictions.
“That a fresh charge be discretionary filed against the first defendant upon which he will plead guilty and serve 14 years imprisonment if approved,” he submitted.
The lawyer further revealed that Evans had completed welding and metal fabrication training under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
“While in prison, the Federal Government offered him and other inmates a second chance to go to school,” he said, adding that Evans also excelled in the NECO exams, earning A1 in all his subjects.
Etudo appealed for leniency, suggesting that Evans could tour schools to educate youths on the dangers of crime.
“My lord, we have asked the Lagos State Government to allow him to go around schools in the state to talk to youths,” he stated.
State Prosecutor, Y.A. Sule confirmed the receipt of Evans’ plea bargain application.
“My lord, I can confirm that the 1st defendant (Evans) has indeed applied for a plea bargain, and it was served on us. We shall be examining it,” he said.
Following submissions from both sides, Justice Coker adjourned the matter to 20th March, pending the Lagos State Government’s decision on the application.
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