“My Client is now ‘Born Again,’ Could be an Anti-Crime Ambassador” – Billionaire Kidnapper Evans’ Lawyer Tells Court

Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, better known as Evans, has claimed to have turned a new leaf and is seeking mercy from the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja. His lawyer, Emefo Etudo, told Justice Adenike Coker on Wednesday that Evans is now “born again” and has applied for a plea bargain through the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office.

Evans, once notorious for high-profile kidnappings, pleaded not guilty to an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Etudo insisted that his client had undergone significant reformation while in prison, pursuing education and religious transformation. He revealed that Evans is currently a 200-level student at the National Open University and achieved A1 grades in all his NECO exams, courtesy of a Federal Government scholarship.

The defense lawyer further suggested that the Lagos State Government should consider allowing Evans to serve as an anti-crime ambassador, visiting schools to educate young people on the dangers of crime. He credited Evans’ transformation to the intervention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and government support.

State prosecutor Y.A. Sule confirmed receiving Evans’ plea bargain application, stating that the appropriate authorities would review it. However, he emphasized that the primary focus of the day’s proceedings was Evans’ re-arraignment, which was necessary for the case to start afresh.

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Coker adjourned the case to March 20 for a possible trial. Speaking to journalists after the court session, Etudo reiterated his client’s claims of transformation, saying, “My client is now a changed man. His reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government, which gave him a scholarship to study and become a better person.”