Security
Evans re-arraigned for murder of two police officers in fresh trial
DDM News

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans, a notorious billionaire kidnapper, was re-arraigned on Thursday, January 30, 2025, before the Ikeja High Court in Lagos.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the fresh charges against him include the murder of two police officers and an attempted kidnapping involving a prominent businessman.
Evans, alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, was brought before Justice Adenike Coker to answer a five-count charge related to murder and kidnapping.
The prosecution alleged that Evans and his accomplice were responsible for the deaths of the two officers, who were killed in the course of their criminal activities.
Additionally, they were accused of attempting to kidnap Chief Obianodo Vincent, the owner of Young Shall Grow Transport Company.
Evans, a name that once struck fear into the hearts of Nigerians, became infamous for leading a highly sophisticated kidnapping syndicate that targeted wealthy individuals.
His gang was notorious for abducting high-profile businesspeople, keeping them in captivity for weeks or months, and demanding huge ransoms.
Over the years, Evans amassed vast wealth from these criminal operations, reportedly collecting millions of dollars in ransom payments.
However, his reign of terror came to an end in June 2017 when security operatives apprehended him in his Lagos mansion.
The present case is one of many legal battles Evans has faced since his arrest.
The prosecution contends that he was directly involved in the attack on Chief Obianodo Vincent, which resulted in the deaths of the two police officers who were providing security to the transport mogul.
During the botched kidnapping attempt, a gun battle reportedly ensued, leading to the deaths of the officers while the businessman narrowly escaped with injuries.
At the court hearing, Evans and his co-defendant, Emeka, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Their legal representatives argued that there was no direct evidence linking them to the crime.
However, the prosecution maintained that there was overwhelming proof, including witness testimonies and forensic evidence, that placed Evans at the scene of the crime.
This is not the first time Evans has been dragged to court over serious criminal charges.
Since his arrest, he has faced multiple trials related to kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy.
In 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for leading a kidnapping gang that terrorized Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Despite his conviction, additional cases have continued to emerge, further entrenching his status as one of Nigeria’s most notorious criminals.
The current case is significant because it brings fresh murder charges against Evans, potentially leading to a heavier sentence if convicted.
The families of the slain officers have expressed hope that justice will finally be served, emphasizing the need for a strong legal system to deter criminals like Evans from wreaking havoc in society.
Throughout his time in detention, Evans has maintained that he is being unfairly targeted by authorities.
In previous court appearances, he alleged that his confessions were extracted under duress and that he was coerced into making incriminating statements.
His defense team has also repeatedly sought to challenge the admissibility of evidence presented by the prosecution.
Despite his claims of innocence, the name Evans remains synonymous with fear and criminal enterprise in Nigeria.
His case has been closely followed by the public, with many eager to see the outcome of his latest trial.
If found guilty, the notorious kidnapper could face the death penalty or another life sentence, further sealing his fate behind bars.
As the trial progresses, all eyes will be on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served.
The prosecution has vowed to present irrefutable evidence linking Evans to the murder of the two officers and the attempted kidnapping of Chief Vincent.
Meanwhile, legal experts argue that this case could serve as a precedent for handling high-profile criminal trials in Nigeria, particularly those involving organized crime.
For now, Evans remains in custody, awaiting the next stage of his trial.
Whether he will be convicted or manage to evade further punishment remains to be seen.
However, one thing is certain—his days of orchestrating high-profile kidnappings are long over.
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