Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, a billionaire kidnapper, was re-arraigned in Ikeja High Court on Thursday, Jan. 30, for the murder of two police officers and the attempted kidnapping of Chief Obianodo Vincent, owner of Young Shall Grow Transport Company.
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were charged with five counts of murder and attempted kidnapping before Justice Adenike Coker.
They pled not guilty.
Remember that Evans, who is facing multiple charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, was previously convicted and imprisoned by two Lagos courts.
In February 2022, Hakeem Oshodi, an Ikeja High Court Judge, sentenced him to life in jail for kidnapping Chief Donatus Dunu, the CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In September 2022, another judge, Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired), sentenced Evans to 21 years in prison for kidnapping a businessman, Chief Slyvanus Ahamonu, and demanding $420,000 in ransom from his family.
Evans is still on trial for two more kidnapping charges. The trial was delayed on October 10, 2024, when Evans’ counsel was missing from court.
Evans appears to be willing to plead guilty to the new allegations, as the prosecution informed the court early on that he had requested a plea bargain.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli