By Dansu Peter In a dramatic courtroom revelation, Chief Emefo Etudo, counsel to alleged kidnapping kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, alias...
By Dansu Peter
Appearing before Justice Adenike Coker at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, Evans pleaded not guilty to an amended five-count charge of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. However, his lawyer insisted that the notorious figure had turned over a new leaf and had formally applied for a plea bargain.
"Our focus is now on securing a plea deal," Etudo stated. "My client is a changed man. He was once consumed by crime, but he has shown genuine remorse. He is now a 200-level student at the National Open University and even excelled in his NECO exams while in prison, earning A1 in all subjects. This was made possible through a Federal Government scholarship."
In a surprising twist, the lawyer further revealed that Evans had applied to become an anti-crime ambassador in Lagos schools. "We have asked the state government to grant him the opportunity to visit schools and educate youths about the dangers of crime," he added.
State prosecutor Y.A. Sule confirmed receiving Evans' plea bargain request, stating that the government would review it. "The 1st defendant has indeed applied for a plea bargain, and we are examining it. The second defendant has also submitted a similar application," Sule noted.
Justice Coker adjourned the case to March 20 for possible trial.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Etudo credited the Federal Government and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for facilitating Evans' reformation. "His transformation is remarkable. He has been reformed, and the scholarship provided by the Federal Government has played a crucial role in his journey towards becoming a better person," he said.
As the case unfolds, the prospect of a former kidnapping mastermind becoming an anti-crime ambassador in Lagos schools has sparked intense public debate.
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