Emefo Etudo, counsel to alleged kidnap kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has told a Lagos High Court in Ikeja that his client has turned a new leaf and is seeking mercy from the Lagos State Government.
Etudo made this statement after Evans pleaded not guilty to an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
During Wednesday’s court session presided over by Justice Adenike Coker, Etudo revealed that Evans had applied for a plea bargain through the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office.
“Our focus in this matter is the plea bargain which we have submitted to the state government. My client is now a repentant person. He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful. Presently, he is a 200-level student of the National Open University. In fact, he made A1 in all his papers in NECO while in prison. All these were made possible through a scholarship given to him by the Federal Government.
“My lord, we have asked the Lagos State government to give him the opportunity to go round schools in the state to talk to youths about the dangers of crime,” he said.
State Prosecutor Y.A. Sule confirmed the plea bargain application, stating that the relevant authorities would consider it.
“My lord, I can confirm that the 1st defendant (Evans) has indeed applied for plea bargain, and it was served on us. We shall be examining it. The second defendant has also made a similar application,” Sule told the court.
Justice Coker subsequently adjourned the case to March 20 for possible trial.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Etudo highlighted Evans’ transformation, crediting the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government for his rehabilitation.
“My client is now a changed man. He has been transformed. His reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government, which gave him a scholarship to study and become a better person,” he stated.
