Kidnapping: Court Laments Delay In Evans Trial

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, on Wednesday lamented over the delay in the trial of alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.

The Judge of an Ikeja Special Offences Court expressed concerns following the absence of prosecution witnesses in the two cases before her court.

It was gathered that the case of Evans and a dismissed soldier, Victor Aduba, was stalled on Wednesday.

Evans and Aduba are facing a four-count charge bordering kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

The prosecutor, Mrs O.A Bajulaiye-Bishi, on Wednesday told the court that the prosecution was unable to serve the summons issued to the witness to testify because the lead prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule, was unwell.

In the second case, Evans, Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Upong are facing trial for attempted kidnap of the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors, Chief Vincent Obianodo.

They are facing a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.

The prosecutor informed the court that the IPO was on an official assignment and that he will be “hopefully present” on the next adjourned date.

The judge in his response lamented over the delay in the trial, pointing out that the two cases had commenced since 2017.

The judge adjourned cases until April 5 for the continuation of the hearing.

Recall that Evans was arrested by the police in 2017 and had since made a series of confessions, according to the police.

In another development, the Ogun State government on Wednesday denied paying any ransom for the release of the abducted students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).

The state commissioner for Information, Alhaji Waheed Odusile made the revelation while addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital.