Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has appealed to the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square for leniency, expressing his willingness to relinquish all his assets as part of a plea bargain agreement.
The convicted billionaire kidnapper informed the court that he has undergone rehabilitation during his incarceration at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, where he now serves as a teacher.
He stated that he earned a diploma in economics from Yewa College of Education and no longer identifies as a criminal.
As part of his plea, Evans has offered to forfeit 14 brand-new trucks to the Lagos State Government.
He suggested that the proceeds from their sale should be used to compensate victims of his past crimes.
His legal representative, Etudo Emefo, submitted the application before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, emphasizing that Evans has shown remorse and undergone significant personal transformation while in custody.
Evans further claimed that he had been awarded a Federal Government scholarship while in prison, allowing him to pursue further education.
He argued that unless granted clemency, his scholarship would be of no use, as he would be unable to apply the skills and knowledge he has acquired.
Documents presented to the court detailed Evans’ academic progress behind bars.
He obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and now teaches at the correctional facility. Copies of his certificate and project work were submitted as evidence.
Additionally, he gained admission to the National Open University of Nigeria under a Federal Government scholarship and is currently in his second year studying Political Science. His admission letter and student ID card were presented in court.
Beyond academics, Evans revealed that he completed vocational training in welding and metal fabrication through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
He successfully passed the required assessments, with copies of his test results attached to the court documents.
During the court session, prosecuting counsel Alaba Kuku informed Justice Sonaike that the defendants had indicated their interest in negotiating plea bargains with the Lagos State Government.
He acknowledged receiving an advance copy of Evans’ application, which is currently under state review.
The court is set to determine the next steps regarding Evans’ plea for clemency.
(PUNCH)