Convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has asked the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square to consider his plea bargain request on compassionate grounds. As part of his offer, he has expressed willingness to surrender all his assets.
In his appeal, Evans stated that he has turned a new leaf during his time in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison. He revealed that he is now a certified teacher after earning a diploma in economics from Yewa College of Education and no longer associates with criminal activities.
To demonstrate his sincerity, Evans has proposed forfeiting 14 brand-new trucks to the Lagos State Government. He suggested that the proceeds from their sale be directed to compensate his victims.
Represented by his lawyer, Mr. Etudo Emefo, Evans submitted his application before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, expressing deep remorse for his past actions. He claimed that while in prison, he received a Federal Government scholarship, which allowed him to further his education.
He urged the Lagos State Government to grant him clemency, arguing that without their forgiveness, the scholarship he received would be meaningless. He also stated that his newly acquired skills would go to waste if he were not given a chance to reintegrate into society.
Court documents revealed that the Federal Government had provided educational opportunities to Evans and other inmates. Taking advantage of this initiative, he obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and is now a certified teacher. Copies of his certificate and academic project were submitted as supporting documents.
In addition, Evans secured admission into the National Open University of Nigeria through the same scholarship program. He is currently in his second year, studying Political Science. His admission letter and student ID card were also presented to the court.
Apart from his academic pursuits, Evans acquired vocational skills in welding and metal fabrication under a program facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. He successfully completed the training and passed the required assessments, with a copy of his test results included in the court filing.
During a recent court session, the prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, informed Justice Sonaike that the defendants had expressed interest in negotiating a plea bargain with the state government. He confirmed that Evans’ lawyer had provided an advance copy of the application, which is now under government review.
