Convicted billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, is making a U-Turn in his new case as he has indicated his interest in plea bargain.
Evans lawyer absent, re-arraignment stalled
His re-arraignment could however not go on Thursday due to the absence of his counsel.
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, are facing charges of murder and attempted kidnapping.
Evans ready to change plea
The State lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, informed the court that the defendants have applied for a plea bargain option when the case was called for re-arraignment.
Justice Adenike Coker sitting at the Lagos State High court directed Evans to ensure the availability of his counsel in court, stating, “In view of the absence of the first defence counsel, this case is hereby adjourned until June 13, and the first defendant is directed to ensure his counsel is in court. There is no excuse for his absence.”
“In the light of the amended charge before the court, the third and the fourth defendants are struck out,” the judge said.
Prosecutor set to dock Evans on amended charge of murder, kidnapping
Evans and his co-defendant were to be re-arraigned on a five-count amended charge including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony, namely kidnapping, and attempt to murder.
However, the re-arraignment could not take place due to the absence of Evan’s counsel.
Sule then informed the court that the defence counsel was aware of the re-arraignment and that the second defence counsel, Mr. Nelson Onyejaka, was in court. He also mentioned that he had spoken with Evans’ lawyer who resided in Abuja concerning the case, but he did not know why the lawyer was not in court.
Sule added, “Although I am aware that the defendants have applied for plea bargain, it is being considered by the Attorney-General. We have an amended charge, my lord, because the fourth defendant has been convicted while the third defendant died in prison. We shall be asking for another date for the re-arraignment of the two defendants.”
Mr. Nelson Onyejaka, who arrived a few minutes after the case was called, announced his appearance for the second defendant, Emeka.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case until June 13 for re-arraignment.
https://casefileng.com/2022/09/20/why-judge-jailed-notorious-kidnapper-evans-again/
