The long-running legal battle of notorious kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, took another dramatic turn on Thursday when an Ikeja High Court adjourned the hearing of his plea bargain application until March 20, 2025. This delay comes as Evans, alongside his co-defendant Joseph Emeka, faces fresh charges of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
Evans, who has already been convicted for a series of kidnappings and is currently serving life sentences for several high-profile cases, appeared before Justice Adenike Coker, who agreed to the adjournment after hearing from both the prosecution and the defence. The court re-arraigned Evans and Emeka on an amended five-count charge, to which they both pleaded not guilty.
At the heart of the court proceedings was the plea bargain application submitted by the defence counsel, which seeks a reduction of Evans’ charges in exchange for a guilty plea, with hopes of securing a more lenient sentence. This application has been under consideration for some time, with both sides eager to resolve the matter.
Evans’ legal team, led by lawyer Mr. Emefo Etudo, expressed hopes that the plea bargain could offer a fresh start for the convicted kidnapper. “We are not here to defend Evans in the traditional sense,” Etudo remarked, adding that the defence’s primary concern was to push for a favorable plea bargain with the Lagos State Government. He argued that Evans, who has been in custody for years, had shown a commitment to reforming his life.
In a surprising twist, Etudo pointed to Evans’ academic progress while incarcerated, revealing that Evans had earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) and was now aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. He further claimed that Evans had been granted a scholarship by the Federal Government, a gesture that he described as a ‘second chance’ for the convicted kidnapper. “If Evans is given another opportunity, he will not misuse it,” Etudo confidently stated.
The prosecution, led by State Counsel Mr. Yusuf Sule, did not oppose the remand request but emphasized that the plea bargain application would be subject to review by the relevant government bodies. “The committee on plea bargain will thoroughly evaluate the application,” Sule noted. It was also mentioned that the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), is still considering the terms of the deal.
Justice Coker, in her remarks, acknowledged the plea bargain application, describing it as a “good step” taken by Evans’ legal team. “It is wise to explore the option of a plea bargain given the outstanding cases,” Coker said, further indicating that the matter would be reviewed on the scheduled date in March.
The ongoing case has sparked debate about the fairness of the plea bargain system, particularly in cases involving high-profile criminals like Evans. Critics argue that such deals may undermine the justice system, giving convicted criminals an easy way out of severe penalties. However, supporters of plea bargaining assert that it can expedite the legal process and offer convicted individuals the opportunity to rehabilitate.
Evans’ previous legal battles have garnered national attention. In 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the abduction of Chief Donatus Dunu, the CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals, who was held hostage for several weeks. In September 2022, he received a 21-year sentence for kidnapping businessman Chief Sylvanus Ahamonu and extorting a hefty ransom of $420,000 from his family.
Despite his conviction, Evans remains embroiled in multiple ongoing kidnapping trials. These new charges could add additional years to his prison term if he is found guilty.
As the court proceedings continue, Evans’ fate lies in the hands of the judiciary and the government bodies overseeing his plea bargain application. Whether he will be granted leniency or face further penalties for his crimes remains uncertain.
Legal experts have weighed in on the issue, noting that plea bargains are not uncommon in Nigeria’s legal system. However, the outcome of this particular case could set a significant precedent for future negotiations involving high-profile criminals. “The court will have to weigh Evans’ rehabilitation efforts against the severity of his crimes,” said legal analyst Dr. Sarah Okafor. “This is not just a simple plea bargain—it’s a reflection of how we handle justice for the most notorious criminals in society.”
While Evans’ legal team remains hopeful that their client will receive a reduced sentence, many Nigerians are watching closely. The public’s reaction to his plea bargain application has been mixed, with some expressing outrage over the possibility of a reduced sentence for someone responsible for the kidnapping of innocent victims.
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the Ikeja High Court this March, where Evans’ future will be decided.
Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, better known as Evans, is one of Nigeria’s most notorious criminals, linked to several high-profile kidnapping cases. His violent exploits have caused widespread fear and outrage across the country. Despite being convicted in 2022 for multiple kidnapping incidents, Evans continues to seek a way to reduce his sentence, relying on the controversial plea bargain process in a bid for a second chance at freedom.
