The Lagos State Government on Monday re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, over the alleged murder of two police officers.
The case, which was initially before Justice Adenike Coker of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has now been transferred to Justice Oyindamola Ogala.
When the matter came up, A.O. Azeez appeared for the prosecution, while Charity O. represented Chief Emefo Etudo, counsel to Evans, and Nelson Onyejiakor appeared for the co-defendant, Joseph Ikenna Emeka.
Azeez informed the court that the case had been transferred and that the defendants should be re-arraigned, irrespective of any pending plea bargain application earlier filed before Justice Coker.
Evans and his co-defendant are facing an amended five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony (kidnapping), and attempted murder.
The charges were read to them, and both defendants pleaded not guilty.
One of the counts reads:
“That you, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (M) a.k.a Evans, and Joseph Ikenna Emeka (M), on or about the 27th day of August, 2013, at about 10:00 p.m. along Third Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos, in the Lagos Judicial Division, did kill one Peter Nweke.”
Another count alleges that the duo, at the same time and location, also murdered Chijioke Ngozi.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Evans, already convicted in two out of five ongoing criminal trials for kidnapping and murder, still faces multiple cases before different judges.
Justice Ogala adjourned the matter to November 19, 2025, for hearing and issuance of witness summons.
