Convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has been re-arraigned before a Lagos State High Court sitting in the Tafawa Balewa Square area for alleged kidnapping and attempted murder.
The re-arraignment follows the transfer of the casefile from the initial trial judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye.
Evans was arraigned alongside Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba, and Okapara Linus before Justice Ibironke Harrison, where the case is being re-opened.
Lagos State has filed five counts against the four, including conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder.
Evans and his co-defendants were charged with kidnapping Chief James Uduji and demanding a $1.2 million ransom.
They and others are accused of committing the crime on September 7, 2015, at 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.
The defendants were also charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting Uduji and Donatus Nwoye in the hand and then shooting one Mr. Jereome Okezie in the hand and head.
According to the prosecution, the offenses committed violated Sections 411, 271 (3), and 230 (A) of the Lagos State criminal laws of 2015.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.
Justice Harrison has scheduled the trial for May 3 and 4, 2023.
News Source: Channel TV
