Evans, 2 others bag life imprisonment for kidnapping

IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Justice Hakeem Oshodi of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, today convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike alias Evans and two others, namely Uche Amadi  and Okechukwu Nwachukwu for kidnapping and conspiracy to wit kidnapping.

The judge also sentenced the three to life imprisonment for the amended charge of kidnapping and conspiracy to wit kidnapping.  Three others, who were initially charged with Evans and the two other, now convicted, namely Ogechi Okechukwu,   Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Chukwunonso Aduba were discharged and acquitted by the judge.

In convicting and sentencing the defendants, Justice Hakeem Oshodi said the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable, compelling and conclusive doubt. Besides, he said the prosecution proved the essential ingredients of kidnapping under the kidnapping law of Lagos State, which includes instilling fear through coercion with intent to demand ransom.

He said the evidence before the court showed that the defendants all conspired to carry out the kidnapping and that the statements of defendants after conducting trial within trial are admissible.

In their plea before sentencing, the defence counsels pleaded with the judge to temper justice with mercy that the defendants were first offenders with children, while the prosecution led by  Solicitor General of Lagos State Mrs. Titilayo Shita-bey said that a statement should be sent out that there is zero tolerance for this type of crime in the state to serve as deterrence.

In his final statement, Justice .O H. Oshodi said a lesson must be thought in respect of the law that the law is law, which must be upheld. He said the defendants were not remorseful and consequently sentenced the three defendants to life imprisonment.

During the trial the prosecution told the court that Evans and his gang kidnapped the Lagos businessman, Donatus Duru on  14^th February,2017 at 7pm against his consent without any lawful excuse, pushed him  into an SUV,  blindfolded him before taking him to a hideout at Igando where he was kept for over three months.

He collected  223,000 euros  from the victim but refused to release him. Escape of Donatus Duru from the hideout led to the arrest of the suspects,  trial and consequent conviction.