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By Lukman Olabiyi
For the fifth time in eight years, the Lagos State Government has re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, over the alleged murder of two police officers.
Evans was re-arraigned yesterday,alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court,Ikeja.
The duo are facing a five-count charge bordering on murder and attempted kidnapping.
According to the prosecution, led by state counsel, Olu Azeez, the alleged offences took place on August 27, 2013, along Third Avenue in Festac Town, Lagos.
Azeez told the court that the defendants killed two police officers, Peter Nwaeke and Chijioke Ngozi at about 10:00 p.m. on the said date.
The alleged crimes contravene Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Evans and Emeka, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the proceedings, the prosecution explained that the case was previously before Justice Adenike Coker, who is currently on national assignment. As a result, the case was reassigned to Justice Ogala’s courtroom.
Azeez requested an adjournment to allow the prosecution to present its witnesses. The defence did not oppose the application.
Justice Ogala subsequently adjourned the matter until November 19, 2025, for hearing and the issuance of witness summons.
Evans is currently standing trial in five separate criminal cases involving charges of kidnapping and murder. He has already been convicted in two of them.
In February 2022, Justice Hakeem Oshodi, sentenced Evans to life imprisonment for kidnapping. Later, in September 2022, retired Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, sentenced him and his co-defendants to 21 years in prison in another kidnapping case.
