Lagos Files Two Fresh Charges Against Evans, Others

Ladipo Sanusi/

The Lagos State government today filed two fresh charges against alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, before an Igboosere High Court, in Lagos.

In the first charge, Evans was arraigned alongside three others, Joseph Ikenna Emeka, Victor Aduba and Okapara Linus on five counts bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder.

According to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), which filed the charges, the offences are contrary to section 411 criminal law Cap C 17, Vol 13, of Lagos State 2015, section 271 (3) and section 230 (A) Cap C17 of the criminal law of Lagos state 2015.

In the second charge, Evans was charged alongside the trio of Joseph Ikenna Emeka, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

They were arraigned on two counts of conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping, which are contrary to section 411, Cap C17, Vol 3 of the criminal law of Lagos state 2015 and section 271 (3), of the criminal law of Lagos state 2015 respectively.

Counsel to the third defendant, Emmanuel Ochai, was absent in court, while the fourth defendant, Okpara Linus, had no legal representation.

Also, counsel to Evans, Olukoya Ogungbeje and the counsel to the second defendant, O. Ogu, informed the court they were yet to be served with the full information contained in the charge.

The Director of Public Prosecution, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, however, informed the court she had served Ogungbeje with the amended information, but was yet to serve counsels to the other defendants.

Consequently, Justice Adedayo Akintoye ordered the DPP to serve all counsels with the necessary information before the next sitting.

She also ordered the respondents to ensure they all have legal representation at the next sitting, otherwise the court would be compelled to provide them with one.

She adjourned sitting till November 24 for the arraignment of the accused persons.

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