The convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, along with his co-defendant Joseph Emeka, charged with murder and attempted kidnapping, have opted for an option of a plea bargain.

The prosecution’s lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, disclosed this yesterday before Justice Adenike Coker of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, stating that the defendants have opted for a plea bargain.

He said the matter was scheduled for the re-arraignment of Evans and his co-defendant. They were to be re-arraigned on a five-count amended charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony, namely kidnapping, and attempt to murder.

He said that he is aware that the defendants have applied for a plea bargain, but it is being considered by the Attorney-General.

“We have an amended charge, my Lord, because the fourth defendant has been convicted while the third defendant died in prison. We shall be asking for another date for the re-arraignment of the two defendants.”

When the case was called, the defendants’ counsel was not in court.

Sule then informed the court that the defendants’ counsel was aware of the re-arraignment. He told the court that he spoke with Evans’ lawyer, who resides in Abuja, concerning the case, but he did not know why he was not in court.

Mr. Nelson Onyejaka, thereafter, entered a few minutes after the case was called, announcing his appearance for the second defendant (Emeka).

The re-arraignment could not take place due to the absence of Evans’ counsel.

The judge said there is no excuse letter from Evans’ counsel for his absence.

“In the light of the amended charge before the court, the third and the fourth defendants’ names are struck out.”

She subsequently adjourned the case to June 13, 2024, for re-arraignment and directed Evans to ensure the availability of his counsel in court on the next adjourned date.

It would be recalled that in February 2022, Evans was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Hakeem Oshodi for kidnapping.

Also, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired) in a separate suit sentenced Evans and his co-defendants to 21 years’ imprisonment.

While the case file of the suit on the allegation of murder was transferred to the admin judge for reassignment.

However, Evans and Emeka were alleged of the murder of Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi on August 27, 2013, in Festac Town, Lagos State.

The duo was also alleged to have attempted to kidnap the Chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors, Chief Vincent Obianodo.

Their offenses were said to have contravened the provisions of sections 221, 228(1), 409, and 404(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.