COURT ADJOURNS EVANS' PLEA BARGAIN HEARING TILL APRIL 17

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), has adjourned proceedings in the trial of notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, until April 17, 2025. The adjournment follows the submission of applications for plea bargain agreements by Evans and his co-defendants in one of his pending cases.

Evans, alongside co-defendants Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara, faces a five-count charge including conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder. The trial, which began afresh in January 2023 after the retirement of Justice Adedayo Akintoye, has seen the defendants express interest in plea deals with the Lagos State government.

At Thursday’s court hearing, prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, informed the court that the defendants had indicated their intent to pursue plea bargains. Kuku also revealed that Evans’ legal representative, Emefo Etudo, had submitted an advance copy of his application, which is currently under consideration by the state government.

Counsels for the other three defendants—Emeka Azubuike (representing the 2nd defendant), Chinyere Udeh (representing the 3rd defendant), and Emmanuel Ochai (representing the 4th defendant)—confirmed the development in court. However, Udeh, counsel for the 3rd defendant, indicated that her client’s plea bargain application had not yet been submitted to the state government.

The case will resume on April 17, 2025, when the court is expected to hear further updates on the plea bargain.