Photo: Evans, left, and co-defendants in court
Convicted billionaire kidnapper Evans re-arraigned for another alleged kidnapping, murder
Convicted notorious billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly called ‘Evans’, was on Thursday re-arraigned before a Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, for another alleged kidnapping and attempted murder.
Evans was re-arraigned alongside three others, Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba and Linus Opara, before Justice Ibironke Harrison.
They were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder.
The case started denovo after the case file was transferred from Justice Adedayo Akintoye the initial trial judge.
It would be recalled that Justice A. Akintoye was handling the trial at Igbosere High Court, before it was burnt during the October 2020 #Endsars saga.
The Prosecution Counsel, Mr H. Owokoniran, alleged at the resumed hearing on Thursday, that the state had to re-arraign the defendants because of fresh facts at the disposal of the prosecuting officer.
Owokaniran, said that the defendants committed the offences on Sept.7, 2015, at 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.
According to him, Evans and his co-defendants allegedly kidnapped one Chief James Uduji and collected a ransom of 1.2 million US Dollars.
He alleged that the defendants attempted to murder anther victim one Donatus Nwoye, by shooting him on the hand.
The prosecution said that the defendants also shot one Jereome Okezie on his hand and head.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 230, 271 (3) and 411of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendants again pleaded not guilty to the charges and the judge adjourned trial until May 3.
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