Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has once again asked the court for a plea bargain, arguing that he is no longer a criminal. The convicted kidnapper, who has been serving time at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, insists that he has turned a new leaf. He claims to have earned a teaching diploma in economics and now serves as a teacher at the correctional facility.
Evans presented his plea bargain request before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square. In his application, he offered to surrender all his property, including 14 brand-new trucks, to the Lagos State Government. According to him, the trucks could be sold, and the proceeds given to his victims as compensation.
Evans’ Second Plea Bargain Attempt
This is not the first time Evans has sought leniency. On January 30, 2025, he made a similar request before Justice Adenike Coker of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja. Despite multiple convictions, including a life sentence and a separate 21-year prison term, he continues to push for reduced punishment.
His lawyer, Etudo Emefo, pleaded with the Lagos State Government for mercy. He claimed that Evans had undergone a transformation during his time in prison and was now remorseful. The lawyer also mentioned that the Federal Government had granted Evans a scholarship, enabling him to obtain a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics. Without the government’s forgiveness, Emefo argued, Evans’ education and new career as a teacher would be wasted.
Copies of his NCE certificate and project work were submitted as part of the plea bargain application.
Lagos State Reviewing Evans’ Request
The prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, confirmed that the Lagos State Government had received the plea bargain application and had set up a committee to review it. Other defendants in the case, including Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara, also applied for plea bargains. However, the third defendant’s lawyer admitted he had not yet submitted his client’s application.
Evans and his co-defendants are facing a five-count charge that includes conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder. Justice Sherifat Sonaike, who took over the case in January 2023 after the retirement of Justice Adedayo Akintoye, has set April 17, 2025, as the next hearing date. On that day, the court will either consider the plea bargain application or proceed with the trial if the plea bargain is denied.
Does Evans Deserve Mercy?
Many Nigerians are questioning why criminals always seek leniency instead of accepting the consequences of their crimes. Evans’ kidnapping activities caused immense suffering to families, and some argue that justice demands he serve his full sentence. Others believe that if he has truly changed, he should be given a second chance. The debate over whether a convicted kidnapper should be allowed to walk free in exchange for his assets continues, with public opinion divided on the matter.
The question remains: Should Evans be granted mercy, or should he face the full weight of the law?
