Notorious billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was re-arraigned on Thursday, January 30, before an Ikeja High Court over the murder of two police officers and the attempted kidnapping of Chief Obianodo Vincent, owner of Young Shall Grow Transport Company.
Evans was arraigned alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, on a five-count charge of murder and attempted kidnapping before Justice Adenike Coker. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Previous Convictions and Ongoing Trials
Evans, who has faced multiple kidnapping and armed robbery charges, has already been convicted twice by Lagos courts:
- February 2022: Sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Hakeem Oshodi for the kidnap of Chief Donatus Dunu, CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- September 2022: Sentenced to 21 years imprisonment by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired) for the kidnapping of Chief Sylvanus Ahamonu and extorting $420,000 ransom from his family.
Despite these convictions, Evans is still standing trial in two other kidnapping cases.
Setbacks and Plea Bargain Speculations
The trial suffered a setback on October 10, 2024, when Evans’ lawyer failed to appear in court.
There are indications that Evans may plead guilty to the amended charges, as the prosecution previously informed the court that he had applied for a plea bargain.
More details are expected as the case progresses.
