Plea Bargain Application for Kidnapper Evans Hits Snag.
The plea bargain application filed by convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, was delayed on Thursday due to the absence of legal advice.
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, had submitted their application before a Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square. They face a five-count charge including conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder, brought by the Lagos State Government.
Evans, Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara are co-defendants in the case.
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During the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Mr. M. O. Olateju, informed the court that they were awaiting advice from the plea bargain committee. He requested a new date for the hearing to allow time for the advice to be prepared.
“We shall be asking for a further date for hearing of plea bargain by the first and second defendants,” he stated.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Evans and Emeka had chosen to pursue a plea bargain.
However, Mrs. A. C. Enueshike, representing the third defendant, expressed readiness to proceed with the trial. “We have heard the submission of the prosecution and we are ready to proceed for trial,” she said.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike adjourned the case until October 17 for further hearing.
The case had restarted after being transferred from Justice Adedayo Akintoye, who initially handled the trial at the Igbosere High Court before it was burned during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants committed the offences on September 7, 2015, at 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos, kidnapping Mr. James Uduji and collecting a ransom of 1.2 million US dollars. They also allegedly attempted to murder another victim, Mr. Donatus Nwoye, by shooting him in the hand.
The offences contravene Sections 230, 271(3), and 411 of the Lagos Criminal Law of 2015. (NAN)
Plea Bargain Application for Kidnapper Evans Hits Snag.
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