Nigerian Government awards scholarship to notorious kidnapper Evans

Convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has been awarded a scholarship by the Nigerian Government.

This development comes amidst his ongoing re-trial for various crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Evans, who is currently being held in custody, has been enrolled in the National Open University, where he is pursuing a degree program.

The scholarship award is reportedly part of the government’s efforts to rehabilitate and reform inmates.

During his re-arraignment at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, Diaspora Digital Media confirms Evans’ lawyer, Emefo Etudo, informed the court that his client had undergone significant reformation while in custody.

“He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful. He wrote and passed NECO. He is currently a 200-level student at the National Open University.

“His reformation was made possible by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government, which gave him a scholarship to study and become a better person,” Etudo stated.

The defense proposed that Evans be allowed to visit schools across Lagos to counsel young people on the dangers of crime.

The prosecution alleges that Evans and Emeka were involved in the kidnapping and murder of several individuals, including Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi, who were allegedly killed on August 27, 2013, at 3rd Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos.

The Lagos State Government has confirmed that Evans has submitted a plea bargain application, which is currently being reviewed.

Meanwhile, Justice Adenike Coker has adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for possible trial.

The court’s decision on Evans’ plea bargain application is expected to be announced at the next hearing.

Background

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was born in 1980 in Anambra State, Nigeria.

He began his criminal activities in the early 2000s, initially engaging in armed robbery and later graduating to kidnapping.

His gang was responsible for several high-profile kidnappings in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Evans was arrested on June 10, 2017, at his Magodo Estate residence in Lagos State.

He was subsequently arraigned in court on June 22, 2017, on a 52-count charge bordering on kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder.

His trial began in 2017, with multiple adjournments and disruptions.

In February 2022, Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Ikeja High Court sentenced Evans to life imprisonment for the abduction of Chief Donatus Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. This was one of the several cases pending against him.

In September 2022, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired) of the Ikeja High Court sentenced Evans to 21 years imprisonment for the kidnapping of a businessman, Chief Sylvanus Ahamonu. Evans and his gang had successfully extorted $420,000 in ransom from Ahamonu’s family.

Evans still faces trial in two other kidnapping cases.

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