Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, the alleged kidnap kingpin, is reportedly a changed man, according to his lawyer, Emefo Etudo.
In a statement before Justice Adenike Coker at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on January 29, Etudo informed the court that Evans has turned away from his criminal past and has formally requested mercy from the Lagos State Government.
Despite the updated charges and Evans’ plea of not guilty to five counts involving murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to kidnap, Etudo shared that his client has applied for a plea bargain through the office of the Attorney-General.
“Our focus in this matter is the plea bargain we have submitted to the state government. My client has repented and is now a changed person. He was once consumed by crime, but he is remorseful now.
“He is currently a 200-level student at the National Open University and even achieved straight A’s in his NECO exams while in prison, thanks to a scholarship provided by the Federal Government.
“We have asked the Lagos State government to allow him to visit schools across the state to educate young people about the dangers of crime,” Etudo stated.
State Prosecutor, Y.A. Sule, confirmed that Evans had submitted an application for a plea bargain, which would be reviewed by the relevant authorities. However, the court proceedings that day were focused on Evans’ re-arraignment to restart the case.
“I confirm that the 1st defendant (Evans) has applied for a plea bargain, which has been served to us for consideration. The second defendant has also made a similar request,” said Sule.
Following the lawyers’ statements, Justice Coker adjourned the case to March 20 for potential trial.
In a statement to the press after the session, Etudo emphasized that Evans had undergone significant transformation, largely due to the efforts of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the support of the Federal Government.
“My client has truly changed. His reformation was possible through the assistance of RCCG and the scholarship granted to him by the Federal Government to help him become a better person,” Etudo added.
