Convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans has denied the allegations of conspiracy, attempt to kidnap and multiple murders in another matter pressed against him on Thursday.
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka pleaded not guilty before Justice Adenike Coker of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja when re-arraigned on an amended five-counts bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, attempt to murder, and murder.
When the matter was called Sule Yusuf, the State Counsel informed the court that the matter is starting de novo and prayed the court to re-arraign the defendants.
Counsel who appeared on Evans’ behalf Chief Emefo Etudo, and his co-defendants, C.N Udeh did not object to the request.
Subsequently, the charge was read to the defendants and they pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge against them.
Count one reads, “That Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (M) a.k.a Evans, Joseph Ikenna Emeka (M) on or about the 27th day of August, 2013 at about 2200 hours along Third Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos in the Lagos Judicial Division did kill one Peter Nweke.
Count two reads “That Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (M) a.k.a Evans, Joseph Ikenna Emeka (M) on or about the 27th day of August, 2013 at about 2200 hours along Third Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos in the Lagos Judicial Division did kill one Chijioke Ngozi (M).
Following the non guilty plea, Yusuf Sule prayed for further remand of the defendants.
However, he informed the court that the first defendant (Evans) has applied for plea bargaining through Chief Etudo, while the second defendant did same through his Counsel.
Addressing the court, Chief Etudo said, “We are not really defence counsel, we are asked to come and plead for some date.
Chief Etudo said he is coming into the matter newly and has advised his client on plea bargain.
The presiding judge said it was a good advice.
Etudo continued “Our primary concern is to pursue the plea bargain application to the Lagos State Government on behalf of the defendants.”
He informed that the Federal Government gave Evans opportunity for second chance by giving him a scholarship.
He added that Evans bagged NCE and that his ambition is to take up a PHD.
Chief Etudo further said, “We are not objecting to his remand and while he is in custody, he was receiving education.”
In response, Mr. Sule said it is now for the committee on plea bargain to look into the application.
Chief Etudo said, “If he is given a second chance, he will not misuse it.”
Justice Coker then remanded the defendants and adjourned till March 20, 2025 for further report on plea bargain.
