Alleged Kidnapping: Wheels Of Justice Turn Slowly As Evans Stands Fresh Trial

• Evans was arrested in Lagos during the weekend of June 10-11, 2017.

• He was regarded as one of the richest criminals in the kidnapping activities in Nigeria.

• The Lagos government quickly arraigned him on kidnapping and attempted murder charges but his trial has been plagued by delays for more than five years.

Eko Hot Blog reports that ‘billionaire’ kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has been re-arraigned over alleged kidnapping and attempted murder before a Lagos State High Court sitting in the Tafawa Balewa Square area.

The Lagos State Government re-arraigned Evans after the previous trial judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye withdrew from the case.

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Following Justice Akintoye’s withdrawal, he transferred the case file to Justice Ibironke Harrison.

Therefore, Evans was arraigned alongside Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba and Okapara Linus, before Justice Harrison for a fresh trial.

The four are facing five counts bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder, preferred against them by Lagos State.

Evans and his co-defendants, were arraigned for allegedly kidnapping Chief James Uduji and collecting a ransom of $1.2 million.

They, and others at large, allegedly committed the offence on September 7, 2015 at 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.

The defendants were also accused of attempted murder by allegedly firing shots at Uduji, and Donatus Nwoye which hit him on the hand and again shot one Mr. Jereome Okezie on the hand and head.

The prosecution says the offences committed contravened Sections 411, 271 (3) and 230 (A) , of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.

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Justice Harrison has adjourned to May 3 and 4, 2023 for trial.

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