LAGOS—Convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, has informed the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square of his willingness to surrender all his property as part of a plea bargain agreement. He requested compassionate consideration from the court, emphasizing his application for clemency.
Evans disclosed that he has transformed his life, becoming a teacher at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after earning a teaching diploma in economics from Yewa College of Education. He pledged to forfeit 14 brand-new trucks to the Lagos State Government, with the proceeds to be directed to the victims of his criminal activities.
Represented by his lawyer, Mr. Etudo Emefo, Evans expressed remorse for his actions before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, asserting that he had undergone a significant transformation during his time in Kirikiri Maximum Prison. He claimed that the Federal Government of Nigeria awarded him a scholarship while incarcerated.
Evans pleaded for mercy from the Lagos State Government, stating that without forgiveness, the Federal Government’s scholarship would be rendered useless. He further argued that he would be unable to practice the new skills he acquired while incarcerated, which would waste government resources.
Court documents revealed that the Federal Government offered Evans and other inmates opportunities for further education during his imprisonment. Evans took advantage of this, earning a National Certificate in Education in Economics and becoming a teacher. Additionally, Evans was offered admission to the National Open University of Nigeria under the Federal Government’s scholarship scheme and is currently in his second year, studying Political Science. His admission letter and student ID card were presented to the court as part of the application.
Evans also underwent training in welding and metal fabrication through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, successfully passing all relevant tests. Copies of his NCE certificate, project work, and test results were submitted as appendices.
During the trial, prosecuting counsel Alaba Kuku informed Justice Sherifat Sonaike that the defendants expressed interest in pursuing plea bargain agreements with the state government. He confirmed receiving an advance copy of Evans’ application from his counsel, which is currently under consideration by the state government.