Chief Emefo Etudo, the lawyer representing the kidnapping kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, appealed to a Lagos High Court in Ikeja for mercy for his client.

The lawyer stated that Evans has repented from his criminal ways and has applied to the Lagos State government for mercy.

Chief Etudo made this known after Evans pleaded not guilty to an amended five-count charge bordering on murder, attempt to murder and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Etudo told the court, presided over by Justice Adenike Coker, that despite the amended charge and the plea of his client, he has applied to the Lagos State Government through the Attorney-General’s office for a plea bargain.

He said: “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 of National Open University. Infact he made A1 in all his paper in NECO while in prison. All these were made possible through a scholarship given to him by the Federal Government.

“My lord, we have asked the Lagos State government to give him the opportunity to go round schools in the state to talk to youths about the dangers of crime.”

State Prosecutor, Y.A Sule confirmed Evans’ application for a plea bargain and told the court that the purpose of the day was for the rearraignment of the defendant to enable the matter to start afresh.

He said: “My lord, I can confirm that the 1st defendant (Evans) has indeed applied l for plea bargain and it was served on us. We shall be examining it. The second defendant has also made similar application.”

Justice Coker later adjourned the matter to March 20, for possible trial.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Chief Etudo pointed out that his client has undergone reformation through the effort of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG and the Federal Government.

He said: “My client is now a changed man. He has been transformed. His reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government which gave him a scholarship to study and become a better person.”