William Kayode
The convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was on Monday re-arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged murder of two police officers.
Evans was re-arraigned alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Ikenna Emeka, following the transfer of their case from Justice Adenike Coker of the same court.
At the resumed proceedings, prosecution counsel A. O. Azeez represented the Lagos State Government, while Charity O. appeared for Chief Emefo Etudo on behalf of Evans, and Nelson Onyejiakor represented Emeka.
Azeez informed the court that the matter had been transferred and requested the defendants’ re-arraignment, noting that earlier plea bargain applications filed before Justice Coker would not affect the process.
The defendants were subsequently re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony, and kidnapping.
According to the prosecution, Evans and Emeka allegedly committed the offences on or about August 27, 2013, at about 10:00 p.m. along Third Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.
They were accused of killing Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi during the operation — offences that contravene Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Evans, already convicted in two of five separate criminal cases involving kidnapping and murder, is still facing three ongoing trials before different courts in Lagos.
Justice Ogala adjourned the case until November 19, 2025, for hearing and the issuance of witness summons.