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By Lukman Olabiyi
Convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known Evans, has been re-arraigned over alleged kidnapping and attempted murder before the Lagos State High Court, at the Tafawa Balewa Square area.
The re-arraignment followed the transfer of the case file from Justice Adedayo Akintoye, the initial trial judge.
Before Justice Ibironke Harrison, where the matter is starting afresh, Evans was arraigned alongside Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba and Okapara Linus. The four are facing five counts bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder, preferred against them by Lagos State.
Evans and his co-defendants were arraigned for allegedly kidnapping Chief James Uduji and collecting a ransom of $1.2 million. They and others at large allegedly committed the offence on September 7, 2015, at the 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.
The defendants were also accused of attempted murder by allegedly firing shots at Uduji and Donatus Nwoye, which hit him on the hand, and, again, shot one Mr. Jereome Okezie on the hand and head. The prosecution said the offences committed contravened Sections 411, 271 (3) and 230 (A), of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.
When the charge was read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty.
Justice Harrison has adjourned to May 3 and 4, 2023 for trial.
