Convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, yesterday made a case for a plea bargain on an amended charge of murder and attempted kidnapping brought against him.
Africa Today News, New York reports that Evans and his co-defendant were to be re-arraigned on a five-count amended charge of murder, attempt to murder, conspiracy to commit felony to wit: kidnapping, and attempt to murder.
The re-arraignment, however, could not take place due to the absence of Evan’s counsel.
The prosecution then informed the court that Mr. Nelson Onyejaka, the second defence attorney, was present and that the defence counsel was aware of the re-arraignment.
The prosecution informed the court that while he had discussed the issue with Evans’ Abuja-based attorney, he was unaware of the reason for his absence from the courtroom.
According to the prosecution: “Although I am aware that the defendants have applied for a 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.”
Justice Adenike Cokers, thereafter, adjourned the case until June 13, for re-arraignment.
The judge also directed Evans to ensure the availability of his counsel in court.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that in 2022, after a four-year trial, the kidnap kingpin got life imprisonment for conspiring with two others to kidnap Mr Donatius Dunu, Chief Executive Officer, Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court, who passed the sentence, said that Evans and two others did not show any remorse during the trial in spite of huge evidence against them.