Update On Alleged Billionaire Kidnapper, Evans

Adedayo Akintoye, a judge at an Igbosere High Court, Lagos, on Thursday dismissed the application by the suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a Evans, seeking to quash charges slammed on him, saying they are not defective and not an abuse of court processes.

Evans had asked the court to quash the two separate charges filed against him by the Lagos State Government.

The Lagos State Government had brought a fresh five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder against Evans and three others.

Evans is charged alongside Joseph Emeka, Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

In the second charge, Evans is being tried alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, the judge said based on the proof of evidence before the court, issue for determination was whether a prima facie case has been established against the defendants.

She, however, held that a prima facie case had been established as there were grounds for proceedings, adding that the proof of evidence must sufficiently link the defendant to the offence allegedly committed.

“Looking closely to the proof of evidence attached to the information in this case, a prima facie case has clearly been disclosed against the defendant/applicant,” Mrs. Akintoye said.

The judge said the victim in the instant case, Uche Okereafor’s wife was the person who paid the ransom, adding that the statement of the first defendant (Evans) itself alleged that the first defendant was the mastermind and gang leader.

“Other defendants participated in several kidnappings and shared the ransom collected from their victims.

“The third defendant (Ugochukwu Nwachukwu) in his own statement and proof of evidence showed that he is a member of the gang and shared in the ransom collected from victims.

“I hold, therefore, that the proof of evidence disclosed a prima facie case against the first and third defendant,” she said.