Notorious billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has told the Lagos State High Court that he has turned a new leaf, now serving as a teacher at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after earning a teaching diploma in Economics.
During Thursday’s proceedings at the Tafawa Balewa Square court, Evans expressed his willingness to surrender all his properties, including 14 brand-new trucks, as part of a plea bargain agreement with the Lagos State Government.
This marks the second time Evans is seeking a plea deal, having previously approached the Ikeja High Court on January 30, 2025, with a similar request.
Education and Rehabilitation Claims
Represented by his lawyer, Etudo Emefo, Evans claimed to have undergone a transformation while incarcerated, earning a National Certificate in Education in Economics from Yewa College of Education. He presented his certificate and project work as evidence of his reformation.
Additionally, he disclosed that he is currently in his second year studying Political Science at the National Open University of Nigeria under a Federal Government scholarship.
“I have changed. I am no longer a criminal. Without the Lagos State Government’s forgiveness, the Federal Government’s scholarship would be useless, and I won’t be able to practise my new skills,” Evans pleaded.
Beyond academics, Evans also completed training in welding and metal fabrication through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, further supporting his claim of rehabilitation.
Plea Bargain Developments
During Thursday’s court session, the prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, confirmed that Evans and his co-defendants—Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara—had shown interest in plea bargain negotiations.
While the lead defense counsel submitted Evans’ application, the third defendant’s lawyer, Chinyere Udeh, stated that his client was yet to file a similar request.
Following these developments, Justice Sherifat Sonaike adjourned the case to April 17, 2025, for an update on the plea bargain discussions.
Multiple Convictions and Legal Battles
Evans has faced multiple convictions in Lagos courts, including a life sentence in one case and a 14-year prison term in another. He is currently standing trial on five counts of conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder.
Despite his claims of rehabilitation, his fate now rests in the hands of the Lagos State Government and the judiciary as they deliberate on his plea bargain request.