Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, a convicted kidnapping kingpin, told the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Thursday that he has reformed and is seeking clemency from the Lagos State Government.
Speaking through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, Evans made this appeal after entering a plea in response to an amended five-count charge, which includes murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, filed against him by the state government.
During the hearing, state prosecutor Sule Yusuf informed the court that the case was restarting and requested the defendants be re-arraigned. Neither Evans’ lawyer, Etudo, nor the counsel representing his co-defendant, C.N. Udeh, objected to the request.
The prosecution alleged that Evans and Joseph Emeka were involved in the killing of Peter Nweke on August 27, 2013, around 10 p.m. at 3rd Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos. They were also accused of murdering Chijioke Ngozi on the same night.
Both Evans and Emeka pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, the prosecutor requested that the defendants remain in custody. However, Yusuf also informed the court that Evans had submitted a plea bargain request through his lawyer, and the second defendant had done the same through his legal counsel.
Etudo told Justice Adenike Coker that, despite the amended charges, his client had officially applied for a plea bargain through the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office.
“Our main focus is the plea bargain application we have submitted,” Etudo stated. “My client has changed. He was once consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful. Currently, he is a second-year student at the National Open University. While in prison, he excelled academically, achieving top grades in the NECO exams, thanks to a scholarship from the Federal Government.”
Etudo further explained that his client wanted to use his experience to help prevent crime among young people. “We have asked the Lagos State Government to grant him an opportunity to visit schools across the state to educate youths about the dangers of criminal activities,” he said.
Confirming Evans’ plea bargain request, Yusuf stated that the appropriate committee would review it. “I can confirm that the first defendant, Evans, has submitted a plea bargain application, and we have received it. We will be assessing it. The second defendant has also made a similar request,” he noted.
Justice Coker then adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for a possible trial.
After the court proceedings, Etudo spoke to journalists, emphasizing Evans’ transformation, which he credited to the efforts of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government.
“My client has changed. His reformation was made possible through the RCCG and the Federal Government, which provided him with a scholarship to further his education and become a better person,” he said.
