KIDNAP ATTEMPT: Evans opts for plea bargain

Alleged kidnapper, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans, has opted for plea bargain with the Lagos State Government over his attempt to kidnap a leading transporter in the state some years back.

The plea bargain was tabled ‎on Friday during proceedings at an Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos, by the Defence Counsel to Evans, Mr. R.B.C. Eke.

The plea bargain plans by the camp of Evans was announced by Eke after state counsel, Ms Olayinka Akudo, had told the court that Ubong (fourth defendant) had filed an application for plea bargain.

“We received a plea bargain application on behalf of the fourth defendant dated [Wednesday] October 24, which was yesterday and we received same yesterday,” Akudo said.

Responding to Akudo’s remarks, Eke said “the development (the fourth defendant’s plea bargain) came from us and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions will be hearing from us.

“We have the intention to also file a plea bargain on behalf of the first defendant (Evans),” he said.

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Defence Counsel to Arinze (third defendant), Mr A.B. Josiah, told the court that Ubong’s proposed plea bargain agreement “does not concern Arinze.

“We have no problem with the court defendant’s plea bargain agreement,” Josiah said.

The co-defendants including; Arinze, Emeka and Ubong had no legal representation when proceedings resumed in court.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria the proceedings for Evans’ two criminal trials– the attempted kidnap of Obianodo and the kidnap of Mr Sylvanus Ahamonu, which were scheduled to hold on Friday were stalled, due to the absence of Insp. Idowu the Investigating Police Officer (IPO).

Evans and his three co-defendants face a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sales and transfer of firearms, in the Obiadono case.

In the other case involving Ahamonu case, Evans and his co-defendant, Victor Aduba, a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army face a four-count charge of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

Both cases were later adjourned by Justice Taiwo to Dec. 9, 2019, for further hearing.

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