Kidnapper Evans Is Now ‘Born Again’, He Could Be Ambassador Against Crime – Lawyer Tells Court

Emefo Etudo, the lawyer for accused kidnap kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, has informed Justice Adenike Coker of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja that his client has repented of his criminal ways and has petitioned the Lagos State Government for mercy.

On Wednesday, January 29, Etudo informed the court that, notwithstanding his client’s altered charge and plea, Evans has sought for a plea bargain through the Attorney-General’s office.

The defense attorney claimed this after Evans pled not guilty to an amended five-count allegation of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to conduct kidnapping.

“Our focus in this matter is the plea bargain which we have submitted to the state government. My client is now a repentant person. He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful. Presently, he is a 200-level student of the National Open University. In fact, he made A1 in all his papers in NECO while in prison. All these were made possible through a scholarship given to him by the Federal Government.

“My Lord, we have asked the Lagos State government to give him the opportunity to go round schools in the state to talk to youths about the dangers of crime,” Etudo said.

Y.A. Sule, State Prosecutor, confirmed Evans’ plea bargain motion, indicating that the relevant authorities would review it, and that the business of the day was to re-arraign the defendant so that the case could begin de novo.

“My Lord, I can confirm that the 1st defendant (Evans) has indeed applied for plea bargain and it was served on us. We shall be examining it. The second defendant has also made similar application.”

Following the lawyers’ remarks, Justice Coker postponed the case to March 20 for possible trial.

Addressing journalists following the court hearing, Etudo stated that the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government worked together to significantly reform Evans.

“My client is now a changed man. He has been transformed. His reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government, which gave him scholarship to study and become a better person,” he stated.

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