Emmanuel Ukudolo l Friday, June 22, 2018
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Embattled kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans has hired a new lawyer to represent him in his ongoing trial in both federal and state high courts. His name is Noel Brown. Evans hired the lawyer following the decision of his erstwhile and self appointed lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje to step aside even as he has asked for police protection over alleged threat to his life.
Ogungbeje’s letter notifying the court of his decision to step aside was read in the open court to the hearing of all. Evans new lawyer, Noel Brown however urged the court to give him access to court records so as to be able to represent his client.
Justice Hakeem Oshodi has adjourned the trial of suspected kidnap kinpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popular called Evans till September 11, for the new counsel to get acquainted with the case file.
Standing trial alongside Evans are Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi, Victor Aduba and a lady, Ogechi Uchechukwu. Uche Amadi, and Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu who were also hitherto represented by Ogungbeje prayed the court for short adjourned date to enable them get new legal representation.
After listening to Noel Brown and the other defendants, Justice Hakeem Oshodi adjourned the matter to September 11, 2018.
Evans and his accomplices, Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi, Victor Aduba and one female, Ogechi Uchechukwu, were rearraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi on two counts bordering on kidnapping and conspiracy and pleaded not guilty to.
According to Prosecutor, Shitta-Bey, Evans and his accomplices committed the offence in February 14, 2017 around 7:45pm along Obokun Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.
Shitta-Bey said that the defendants between February 14 and April 12 along Obokun Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, captured and detained one Mr. Duru Donatus and collected a ransom of 223,000 Euros for the release of Donatus, contrary to Section 2(1) of the kidnapping Prohibition Law of Lagos State, 2017.
