Alleged kidnap: Evans’s plea bargain application stalled

Hearing in the plea bargain application filed by the convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (a.k.a Evans), could not proceed on Thursday due to the absence of legal advice.

Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, had filed the application before a Lagos High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square. They are standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and attempted murder preferred against them by Lagos Government. Evans is charged alongside Emeka, Victor Aduba and Linus Opara.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the prosecution counsel, Mr M. O. Olateju, told the court that the prosecution was waiting for advice from the plea bargain committee. He, therefore, asked the court for a further date so that the advice would be ready.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Evans and Emeka had opted for a plea bargain on the charge against them.

However, Mrs A. C Enueshike, the third defendant’s counsel, told the court that her client was ready to proceed for trial.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike, thereafter, adjourned the case until October 17 for further hearing.