Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has pleaded with the Lagos State Government for mercy, claiming he has turned a new leaf.
Speaking through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Evans stated that he has repented from his past crimes and is now focused on rehabilitation.
The plea came as he and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Both pleaded not guilty.
Evans’ lawyer revealed that his client had applied for a plea bargain and sought leniency from the Lagos State Government.
“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 at the National Open University of Nigeria. In fact, he made A1 in all his NECO papers while in prison, thanks to a scholarship granted by the Federal Government,” Etudo told the court.
He further stated that Evans wants to use his experience to deter young people from crime, proposing to tour Lagos schools to educate youths on the consequences of criminal activities.
The state prosecutor, Sule Yusuf, confirmed that the plea bargain application had been received and was under review.
Justice Adenike Coker adjourned the matter to March 20, 2025, for possible trial.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Etudo said Evans had undergone remarkable reformation through the efforts of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government.
“My client is now a changed man. His transformation has been made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government, which provided him with a scholarship to study and become a better person,” he said.
