Notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has pleaded for clemency, claiming he has turned a new leaf while serving time in prison.
During his re-arraignment at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Thursday, Evans, through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, revealed that he had applied for a plea bargain and sought the Lagos State Government’s mercy.
He also disclosed his academic strides in prison, stating that he is now a 200-level student at the National Open University and had excelled in his NECO exams under a government-sponsored scholarship.
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, face an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The prosecution alleged that they were involved in the killings of Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi on August 27, 2013, in FESTAC Town, Lagos. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Despite the plea, Evans’ lawyer emphasized his client’s remorse, stating, “He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now reformed. We have asked the Lagos State Government to allow him to visit schools and educate youths on the dangers of crime.”
The prosecution, led by Sule Yusuf, confirmed the plea bargain application and stated that it would be reviewed by the appropriate committee.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for a possible trial.