Femi Ashekun/
Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans the Kidnapper, returned to the Lagos High Court yesterday, where he was re-arraigned on fresh charges of kidnapping and murder.
In a surprising twist, Evans’ new lawyer, Chief Emefo Etudo, filed an application for a plea bargain, seeking clemency and a reduced sentence for the man once considered Nigeria’s most feared kidnapper.
Evans gained national infamy after his arrest in 2017 for masterminding a highly organised kidnapping ring that targeted wealthy Nigerians.
His victims included Chief Donatus Dunu, owner of Maydon Pharmaceuticals, who escaped captivity after months of detention, and Uchenna Okagwu, whose family reportedly paid $1 million for his release. Known for demanding hefty ransoms, Evans became a symbol of fear and criminal sophistication in Nigeria.
In 2022, Evans was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in one of his numerous cases. However, he continues to face charges in three pending cases and two additional ones.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Nkenna Emeka, pleaded not guilty to the fresh charges filed by the Lagos State Government.
Etudo argued that Evans has undergone significant transformation during his eight years in prison. He presented a proposal that Evans plead guilty to a new charge and serve a 14-year prison sentence, with the condition that the sentence runs concurrently with his existing convictions.
In support of the application, Etudo highlighted Evans’ rehabilitation journey. He revealed that Evans had earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics under a Federal Government scholarship, making him a certified teacher. Evans is also in his second year studying Political Science at the National Open University of Nigeria, with his admission letter and ID card tendered as evidence.
Additionally, Evans acquired vocational skills in welding and metal fabrication under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
Etudo emphasised that Evans has transformed into a “reasonable human being” and urged the court to show compassion by dropping some of the pending charges. He submitted documents to back the claims, including Evans’ educational certificates and training results.
The plea bargain request has sparked widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians accusing Evans of attempting to manipulate the justice system.
While some legal experts argue that plea bargains can expedite legal processes and save resources, others insist that granting leniency to a man whose crimes caused untold suffering would undermine justice.
Justice Coker adjourned the case to March 20, allowing time for the Lagos State Government committee to review Evans’ application.
Prosecuting lawyer Mr. A.Y. Sule and Etudo were directed to await the committee’s decision.
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