Convicted kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans has denied allegations of conspiracy, attempt to kidnap and multiple murders in another matter brought against him last 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-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, attempt to murder, and murder.
When the matter was called, Mr. Sule Yusuf, the State Counsel, informed the court that the matter was starting de novo and prayed the court to re-arraign the defendants.
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, counsel for Evans, Chief Emefo Etudo said, “We are not really defence counsel, we are asked to come and plead for some date.” He said he is coming into the matter newly and has advised his client on plea bargain.
Etudo continued: “Our primary concern is to pursue the plea bargain application with 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.
“We are not objecting to his remand and while he is in custody, he was receiving education,” he said.
In response, Sule said it is now for the committee on plea bargain to look into the application.
On his part, 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.
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