Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, told the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Thursday that he had repented from his crimes and had applied to the Lagos State Government for mercy.
Speaking through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, Evans said he had changed and was now focused on education and personal reform.
“My client is now a repentant person. He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful,” Etudo said.
Evans was re-arraigned on amended charges of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. His co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, also faced similar charges.
The Lagos State Government accused Evans and Emeka of killing Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi on August 27, 2013, at 3rd Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
State prosecuting counsel, Sule Yusuf, informed the court that Evans had applied for a plea bargain through the Attorney-General’s office.
“We can confirm that the 1st defendant has applied for a plea bargain, and we shall be examining it,” Yusuf said.
Etudo explained that Evans had been studying while in prison and was now a 200-level student at the National Open University of Nigeria.
“In fact, he made A1 in all his NECO papers while in prison. This was made possible through a Federal Government scholarship,” he said.
He added that Evans wanted to visit schools in Lagos to educate young people on the dangers of crime.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for a possible trial.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Etudo said his client’s transformation was made possible by the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Federal Government.
“My client is now a changed man. He has been transformed. The RCCG and the Federal Government played a key role in his reformation,” he said.
