“Evans has changed” – Lawyer appeals for leniency, praises FG for supporting his education

DDM News

The Ikeja High Court has postponed proceedings on the plea bargain application filed by convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans, setting the next hearing for March 20, 2025.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the decision was made on Thursday, January 30, following Evans’ re-arraignment alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

During the hearing, State Counsel Yusuf Sule informed the court that the trial was beginning afresh.

He requested that the defendants remain in custody while their plea bargain applications were reviewed.

Evans’ lawyer, Emefo Etudo, used the court session to highlight his client’s alleged transformation while in prison.

He emphasized that Evans had taken significant steps toward rehabilitation.

According to Etudo, he earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics, making him a certified teacher.

He further revealed that Evans is now a 200-level Political Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

In addition to his academic pursuits, the lawyer noted that Evans had also learned vocational skills in welding and metal fabrication.

He believes these efforts demonstrate a genuine attempt at reform.

Etudo expressed hope that these developments would encourage the court to consider Evans’ plea bargain favorably.

He stressed that his client had shown remorse.

He added that Evans was eager to be reintegrated into society with a changed mindset.

Justice Adenike Coker acknowledged the defense’s submission.

She praised Etudo for his commitment to guiding Evans through legal processes.

The judge, however, maintained that the court would need time to deliberate on the plea bargain request.

As a result, the court adjourned the case until March 20 for further discussions.

The case of Evans remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile kidnapping trials.

In February 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the abduction of Donatus Dunu, CEO of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

The court found him guilty of masterminding the businessman’s kidnapping and demanding a large ransom.

Later, in September 2022, Evans received another sentence of 21 years in prison.

This was for the kidnapping of businessman Sylvanus Ahamonu, for whom a $420,000 ransom was allegedly extorted.

Despite these convictions, Evans’ legal team is now arguing that his rehabilitation efforts should be taken into account.

They believe this should influence the court’s decision on his fate.

Observers are closely watching whether the court will consider Evans’ plea for leniency.

His claims of reform and academic achievements behind bars are central to his appeal.

The March 20 hearing is expected to be a crucial turning point.

It will determine whether his

transformation will influence the court’s final decision.

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