Kidnap kingpin Evans turns teacher in prison, seeks leniency in Court

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans, has revealed that he is now a teacher at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, where he trains fellow inmates after earning a diploma in Economics from Yewa College of Education.

Evans made this known while pleading for leniency before the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafa Balewa Square. He expressed his determination to abandon crime and contribute positively to society.

As part of his plea bargain request, he offered to surrender all his properties if the court considered his application on compassionate grounds. He specifically pledged to forfeit 14 newly acquired trucks to the Lagos State Government, with the proceeds directed to compensate his victims.

This marks the second time Evans has sought a plea bargain over his kidnapping charges. On January 30, 2025, he approached Justice Adenike Coker of the Ikeja High Court with a similar request.

Evans currently faces five criminal cases across different high courts in Lagos. He has already been convicted twice—one carrying a life sentence and the other a 21-year prison term.

Represented by his lawyer, Mr. Etudo Emefo, Evans claimed he had undergone transformation in prison, where he received a Federal Government scholarship. He pleaded with the Lagos State Government for mercy, stating that without forgiveness, his educational achievements would be in vain.

Court documents revealed that Evans and other inmates were given the opportunity to further their education under a Federal Government scholarship scheme. He took advantage of this and obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics, presenting copies of his certificate and project work as evidence.

Additionally, he was admitted to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) under the same scholarship scheme and is currently in his second year studying Political Science. His admission letter and student ID card were presented to the court.

Evans also completed training in welding and metal fabrication through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, passing all relevant tests, with his results submitted as part of his plea bargain application.

During Thursday’s court session, prosecuting counsel Alaba Kuku informed Justice Sherifat Sonaike that the defendants, including Evans, had indicated their interest in plea bargains. He confirmed receiving an advance copy of Evans’ application, which is currently under review by the Lagos State Government.

Evans, alongside his co-defendants—Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Linus Opara—is facing a five-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder. The trial was restarted in January 2023 after the retirement of Justice Adedayo Akintoye.

Counsel representing the other defendants, including Emeka Azubuike, Chinyere Udeh, and Emmanuel Ochai, also confirmed their clients’ interest in plea bargains. However, the third defendant’s lawyer noted that his client’s application had yet to be submitted to the Attorney General’s office.

Following the submissions, Justice Sonaike adjourned the case to April 17, 2025, for a report on the plea bargain applications.