The scheduled hearing for the plea bargain application submitted by Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, famously known as Evans, the convicted kidnapping leader, couldn’t proceed on Thursday due to the absence of legal advice.
Evans, alongside his co-defendant Joseph Emeka, had filed the application in a Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square. They face charges related to conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder filed by the Lagos Government.
The trial also involves Victor Aduba and Linus Opara as co-accused alongside Evans and Emeka.
During Thursday’s session, the prosecution, represented by Mr. M. O. Olateju, informed the court of their dependency on advice from the plea bargain committee. Consequently, they requested a later date for the proceedings to allow time for the advice.
The defendants Evans and Emeka had opted for a plea bargain, but Mrs. A. C. Enueshike, representing the third defendant, expressed readiness to proceed with the trial.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike adjourned the case until October 17 for further proceedings. Previously, Justice Akintoye had presided over the trial at Igbosere High Court before its destruction during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants committed the offenses in September 2015 in Festac Town, Lagos. Evans and his cohorts purportedly kidnapped Mr. James Uduji and extorted a ransom of 1.2 million US Dollars. Additionally, they are accused of attempting to murder another victim, Mr. Donatus Nwoye, by shooting him in the hand. These actions are said to contravene Sections 230, 271(3), and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.