Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, widely known as Evans, has pleaded with the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square for leniency, offering to surrender all his assets as part of a plea bargain agreement.
The convicted billionaire kidnapper told the court that he has undergone rehabilitation while serving his sentence at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, where he now works as a teacher after obtaining a teaching diploma in economics from Yewa College of Education.
As part of his plea for mercy, Evans expressed his willingness to forfeit 14 brand-new trucks to the Lagos State Government.
He suggested that the proceeds from their sale be given to victims of his crimes as part of a restitution plan.
His lawyer, Etudo Emefo, presented the application before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, highlighting Evans’ claims of personal transformation and remorse.
Evans also revealed that he was awarded a scholarship by the Federal Government while in prison, which allowed him to further his education.
He argued that without clemency from the Lagos State Government, his scholarship would be meaningless, as he would be unable to apply the knowledge and skills he has acquired.
Documents submitted to the court detailed Evans’ educational progress behind bars.
He obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and is currently working as a teacher within the correctional facility.
Copies of his NCE certificate and academic project were attached as evidence.
Additionally, Evans has been admitted to the National Open University of Nigeria under the Federal Government’s scholarship program, where he is now in his second year studying Political Science. His admission letter and student ID card were presented in court.
Beyond academics, Evans stated that he completed training in welding and metal fabrication under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
He successfully passed all required tests, with copies of his results included in the court submission.
During court proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, informed Justice Sonaike that the defendants had expressed interest in negotiating plea bargains with the Lagos State Government.
He confirmed receiving an advance copy of Evans’ application, which is currently under review by the state authorities.
The case continues as the court considers Evans’ plea for leniency.
