By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Society Deputy Editor
The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans, on fresh charges linked to the killing of two police officers.
Evans, who is already serving sentences from previous kidnapping convictions, appeared alongside his alleged accomplice, Joseph Ikenna Emeka, before Justice Oyindamola Ogala on Monday.
The re-arraignment followed the transfer of the case from Justice Adenike Coker to Justice Ogala. Prosecuting counsel A.O. Azeez, representing the Lagos State Government, requested that the charges be read afresh, noting that earlier plea bargain applications filed in the former court would not affect the matter.
Counsel Charity O. represented Evans, while Nelson Onyejiakor appeared for Emeka.
The state presented an amended five-count charge against the duo, which includes:
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Murder
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Attempted murder
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Conspiracy to commit kidnapping
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Conspiracy to commit felony
According to prosecutors, the alleged crimes occurred on August 27, 2013, at about 10 p.m. along Third Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos. The defendants were accused of killing two police officers, identified as Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi, during the violent incident.
Both men pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
Evans, once described as Nigeria’s most notorious kidnapper, has been linked to multiple high-profile abductions where victims were ransomed for millions of naira and foreign currency. He is currently facing three separate criminal trials, having already been convicted in two.
Justice Ogala has adjourned the case until November 19, 2025, for hearing, with witness summons to be issued to expedite the trial.
