Billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans, has changed his plea from guilty to not guilty. Evans is currently being arraigned at the Lagos state High Court before Justice Hakeem Oshodi on amended charges of conspiracy and kidnapping, among others. Also in court are Evans’ accomplices, namely Uche Amadi and Ogechi Uchechukwu, Okuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba. They also pleaded not guilty.
The Lagos state government in the amended charges accused Evans of the kidnap of Dunu Donatus, a pharmacist who escaped from the kidnappers’ den.
The second count accused Evans and his accomplices of collecting 223,000 euros as ransom from Donatus between February 14 and April 12.
Counsel to Evans and Amadi, Olukoya Ogungbeje, pleaded with Justice Oshodi to adjourn to enable him prepare for the trial.
“I’m sorry my Lord, I’m not ready to defend my client”, said Ogungbeje before asking for an adjournment. Chorusing Ogungbeje, counsel to Nwachukwu asked for an adjournment, saying he had not had access to his client and needed time to prepare for trial.
Both counsels and their other colleagues representing each of the defendants claimed they were served the amended charges only this morning.
However, the Director of Public Prosecution, Titilayo Shitta-Bey opposed the request for an adjournment. She said it took great effort to bring three prosecution witnesses to court and that it was unfair to adjourn the sitting.
Ruling, Justice Oshodi saud he would consider the plea of the defendants counsels since they were served the amended charges only this morning (Thursday).
Justice Oshodi adjourned till November 3 for the commencement of trial.
Credit: Newsbreak
