Lagos High Court in Igbosere yesterday dismissed another attempt by suspected kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (a.k.a Evans) to stop his fifth arraignment.
Justice Adedayo Akintoye upheld the argument of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Titilayo Shitta-Bey, that the charge disclosed a prima facie case against the defendant,The Nation reports.
The judge held that Evans’ claim that the five-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and attempted murder was “grossly defective, repetitive and an abuse of court processes” was without merit.
The defendant’s application to quash the charge was made on May 25, through his former counsel, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, who withdrew his representation on June 13, citing personal reasons.
Ogungbeje was replaced by Mr. Noel Brown, who announced his appearance for Evans.
Following Justice Akintoye’s ruling, Evans and his co-defendants, Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba, were arraigned.
According to the charge, the defendants and others at large committed the offences on September 7, 2015 at Seventh Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.
They allegedly conspired and kidnapped Chief James Uduji, collected a ransom of $1.2 million dollars and shot him on the shoulder while trying to kill him.
They also allegedly fired shots at Mr. Donatus Nwoye, which hit him on the hand.
The court heard that they also shot Mr. Jereome Okezie on the hand and head.
Justice Akintoye remanded the defendants in prison and adjourned till September 13 for trial.
Evans was arrested on June 10, 2017 in his Magodo, Lagos mansion.
He is facing five different charges before three Lagos High Court judges, Justice Hakeem Oshodi, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo and Justice Adedayo Akintoye.
Emeh Achanga,the CEO of the Miss Petite Nigeria Brand is a lawyer turned blogger. She is very passionate about writing, with several publications and awards to her credit .She is currently working on publishing a collection of short stories which are basically a memoir about her exciting true experiences.
