Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has told the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja that he has repented and deeply regrets his past crimes.
Evans made this known through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, during his re-arraignment on Thursday. He is facing an amended five-count charge of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, filed against him by the Lagos State Government.
During the hearing, state prosecutor Sule Yusuf informed the court that the case was starting afresh and requested the re-arraignment of the defendants.
Neither Evans’ lawyer nor the counsel representing his co-defendant, C.N. Udeh, objected to the request.
The prosecution alleged that on August 27, 2013, around 10 p.m., along 3rd Avenue in FESTAC Town, Lagos, Evans and an accomplice, Joseph Emeka, murdered a man identified as Peter Nweke.
They were also accused of killing another victim, Chijioke Ngozi, on the same day.
Both Evans and Emeka pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their plea, Yusuf asked the court to remand them in custody.
However, he also confirmed that Evans had applied for a plea bargain through his lawyer, while the second defendant had made a similar request.
Etudo, speaking on behalf of Evans, informed Justice Adenike Coker that his client was seeking a plea bargain with the Lagos State Government through the Attorney-General’s office.
“My client is now a changed man,” Etudo stated. “He was once caught up in crime, but he has turned a new leaf and is remorseful. He is currently a 200-level student at the National Open University.
While in prison, he sat for NECO and scored A1 in all subjects, thanks to a Federal Government scholarship.”
The defense lawyer further pleaded with the court to grant Evans an opportunity to contribute positively to society, suggesting that he could visit schools across Lagos State to educate young people about the dangers of crime.
The prosecution confirmed receipt of Evans’ plea bargain application, stating that it would be reviewed by the appropriate committee.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Coker adjourned the case until March 20, 2025, for a possible trial.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Etudo emphasized that Evans’ transformation was made possible through the intervention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Federal Government, which provided him with educational support.
He added, “Evans has reformed. With the help of the RCCG and the Federal Government, he has been given a second chance to become a better person.”
