Lagos, Nigeria – Notorious billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has petitioned the Lagos State High Court at Tafa Balewa Square for a plea bargain, claiming he has undergone a transformation while serving his sentence at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison.
In his latest legal maneuver, Evans, who was convicted of multiple kidnapping charges, asserted that he has reformed during his incarceration. He informed the court that he has earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics from the Yewa College of Education and is now actively involved in teaching fellow inmates at the correctional facility.
A Second Attempt at Plea Bargain
This is Evans’ second attempt at securing a plea bargain agreement. On January 30, 2025, he made a similar request before Justice Adenike Coker of the Ikeja High Court. The convicted kidnapper, who is currently serving a life sentence in one case and a 21-year term in another, is now seeking leniency from the Lagos State Government on compassionate grounds.
In a plea filed through his legal counsel, Mr. Etudo Emefo, Evans expressed willingness to forfeit all his assets, including 14 newly acquired trucks, to compensate his victims. His legal team argues that granting him a plea deal would allow him to put his acquired skills and education to productive use.
Transformation Behind Bars
According to documents presented in court, Evans claims to have benefited from a Federal Government scholarship program that enabled him and other inmates to further their education. His legal team provided copies of his NCE certificate and project work as evidence of his commitment to rehabilitation.
Furthermore, Evans has been offered admission to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) under the same scholarship scheme. He is currently in his second year studying Political Science, with his admission letter and student ID card also submitted to the court as supporting documents.
Beyond academics, the former crime boss revealed that he had completed training in welding and metal fabrication under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Copies of his test results were included in his plea, demonstrating his progress in acquiring vocational skills.
Court Proceedings and Government Response
During the latest hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, informed Justice Sherifat Sonaike that Evans and his co-defendants—Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara—had all indicated their interest in pursuing plea bargain agreements with the state government.
Kuku further disclosed that Evans’ legal representative had submitted an advanced copy of the plea bargain application, which is currently under review by the state authorities. Other defense lawyers, including Emeka Azubuike (representing the second defendant), Chinyere Udeh (for the third defendant), and Emmanuel Ochai (for the fourth defendant), confirmed their clients’ interest in similar arrangements.
However, Udeh clarified that his client had not yet formally submitted an application for consideration. As a result, Justice Sonaike adjourned the case to April 17, 2025, allowing time for a status update on the plea bargain applications.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
Evans’ latest plea has reignited public debate on the effectiveness of Nigeria’s judicial system in handling high-profile criminal cases. Many observers are questioning whether a convicted kidnapper, who terrorized families and collected exorbitant ransoms, should be granted any form of leniency.
Legal analysts note that while plea bargains can be instrumental in decongesting prisons and ensuring justice for victims, the state government must carefully weigh the implications of such an agreement in this high-profile case.
For now, the fate of Evans and his co-defendants rests on the Lagos State Government’s decision regarding their plea for reduced sentences in exchange for asset forfeiture and claims of rehabilitation. All eyes remain on the April 17, 2025, court date when further developments in the case will be revealed.
