Convicted Kidnapper Evans Seeks Plea Bargain, Claims He’s Now A Teacher In Prison

Convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, better known as Evans, is once again seeking a plea bargain, arguing that he has reformed and is no longer involved in crime.

In his latest appeal to Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, Evans claimed he has turned his life around and now teaches at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

He also revealed that he obtained a diploma in Economics from Yewa College of Education, and that he is no longer a criminal.

As part of his plea bargain request, Evans expressed willingness to forfeit all his assets to the Lagos State Government, including 14 newly acquired trucks.

The convicted kidnapper suggested that the proceeds from selling these assets be given to his victims as compensation.

This marks the second time Evans has sought a plea bargain on compassionate grounds.

His first request was made on January 30, 2025, before Justice Adenike Coker of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja.

Evans has multiple criminal cases across different courts in Lagos. Two of these have already led to convictions—one resulting in a life sentence and the other a 21-year prison term.

During Thursday’s hearing, his lawyer, Etudo Emefo, told the court that Evans was remorseful and had undergone significant personal growth while serving time.

He emphasized that without leniency from the Lagos State Government, a federal scholarship awarded to Evans would go to waste.

Emefo further explained that Evans used the scholarship to earn a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and is currently teaching within the prison system.

He submitted copies of the NCE certificate and Evans’ project work as evidence in support of the plea bargain request.

Prosecuting counsel Alaba Kuku confirmed that the state government had received the plea bargain application and had formed a committee to review it.

Lawyers representing Evans’ co-defendants also stated that they had submitted similar applications, except for one, who was yet to file his request.

Evans and his co-accused—Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara—are facing a five-count charge, including conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder.

Their case was restarted in January 2023 before Justice Sonaike after the retirement of the previous judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

Justice Sonaike has adjourned the case until April 17, 2025, when the court will either review the plea bargain progress or proceed with the trial if the request is denied.

KanyiDaily recalls that Evans, whose real name is Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment in 2022.