Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has postponed proceedings on the plea bargain application involving convicted kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, and three co-defendants to February 20, 2025.
The delay was due to updates from lawyers in the criminal case, referenced as LD/5960C/2017, who informed the court that the plea bargain agreement submitted by Evans and his co-accused—Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Okapara Linus—was still pending a response from the Lagos State Attorney General (AG).
Prosecutor M.F. Salau confirmed during the session that the application had not yet been addressed by the AG’s office and noted that the prosecution’s witness was unavailable for the trial.
Mary Ibezue, representing the second defendant, Joseph Emeka, stated that she had sent a letter to the AG requesting the withdrawal of the plea bargain for Evans and Emeka.
She also mentioned that a separate application had been submitted exclusively for her client. Ibezue further clarified that she had previously represented Evans but stepped down from the role at his request.
She assured the court that the defence team would organize their approach before the next hearing.
Justice Sonaike declined Ibezue’s motion to strike out the case, stating that the court would continue to adjourn if necessary.
Other defence lawyers, A.C. Enueshike (for the third defendant) and Emmanuel Ochai (for the fourth defendant) supported the adjournment request.
The case, now being heard afresh by Justice Sonaike, was initially handled by Justice Adedayo Akintoye before being reassigned.
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