LAGOS – Convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, pleaded for mercy before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Thursday, declaring that he has repented from his criminal past.
Evans, speaking through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, revealed that he has applied to the Lagos State Government for a plea bargain, seeking leniency.
“My client is now a repentant person,” Etudo told the court. “He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful. Presently, he is a 200-level student at the National Open University. In fact, he made A1 in all his NECO papers while in prison, thanks to a Federal Government scholarship.”
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, are facing five amended counts, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
The charges stem from their alleged role in the killing of Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi in FESTAC Town, Lagos, on August 27, 2013.Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. State prosecuting counsel Sule Yusuf confirmed Evans’ application for a plea bargain. “My Lord, I can confirm that the first defendant has indeed applied for a plea bargain, and it was served on us. We shall be examining it,” Yusuf said.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for possible trial. Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Etudo emphasized Evans’ transformation, crediting his reformation to the efforts of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Federal Government. “My client has been transformed.
His reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government, which gave him a scholarship to study and become a better person,” he stated.
The Lagos State Government is expected to review Evans’ plea bargain request before the next court session.
