The attorney for suspected kidnapping kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, Chief Emefo Etudo, told a Lagos High Court in Ikeja yesterday that his client has turned from his criminal ways and has requested compassion from the Lagos state government.
This was said by Chief Etufo following Evans’ not guilty plea to an amended five-count charge that included conspiracy to conduct kidnapping, murder, and attempted murder.
Etufo informed the court, which was presided over by Justice Adenike Coker, that he had requested for a plea deal from the Lagos State Government via the Attorney-General’s office, notwithstanding the amended charge and his client’s plea.
He stated, “Our focus in this matter is the plea bargain which we have submitted to the state government. My client is now a repentant person. He was a young man consumed by crime but he is now remorseful. Presently he is a 200-level student of National Open University. Infact he made A1 in all his paper in NECO while in prison. All these were made possible through a scholarship given to him by the Federal Government.
“My lord, we have asked the Lagos State government to give him the oppurtunuty to go round schools in the state to talk to youths about the dangers of crime.”
Evans’ plea bargain application was confirmed by State Prosecutor Y.A. Sule, who stated that the proper person will take it into consideration.
He informed the court that the defendant’s rearraignment was the day’s main task in order to start the case over.
He stated, “My lord, I can confirm that the 1st defendant (Evans) has indeed applied l for plea bargain, and it was served on us. We shall be examining it. The second defendant has also made similar application.
After the attorney’s request, Justice Coker postponed the case until March 20 in order to allow for a potential trial.
After the court session, Chief Etudo told reporters that his client had seen a very impressive reformation thanks to the Federal Government, RCCG, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“My client is now a changed man. He has been transform. His reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government which gave him scholarship to study and become a better person.”