According to Premium Times, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Ikeja High Court delayed its judgment to consider a plea bargain petition submitted by Evans, a convicted kidnapper. The hearing was postponed until March 20. This result followed Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, being re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
State Counsel Yusuf Sule informed the court that the case was commencing de novo and requested the continued remand of the defendants. He also noted that both defendants had applied for a plea bargain through their respective legal representatives.
Evans’ counsel, Emefo Etudo, highlighted his client’s efforts toward rehabilitation during his incarceration. Etudo revealed that Evans had utilized  educationalopportunities provided by the Federal Government, earning a National Certificate in  Education (NCE) in Economics, thereby becoming a certified teacher. He further disclosed that Evans is currently a 200-level Political Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and has acquired vocational skills in welding and metal fabrication under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Etudo emphasized that Evans is remorseful and seeks leniency through the plea bargain application.
Justice Adenike Coker acknowledged the receipt of the plea bargain application and commended the defense counsel for advising their client appropriately. She subsequently adjourned the case to March 20 for a report on the plea bargain application.
Evans has previously been convicted in other kidnapping cases. In February 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Donatus Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Additionally, in September 2022, he received a 21-year prison sentence for kidnapping businessman Sylvanus Ahamonu and extorting $420,000 in ransom from his family.
The upcoming hearing on March 20 will determine the court’s stance on Evans’ plea bargain application and his potential for leniency based on his claimed rehabilitation efforts.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
