Kidnap Kingpin Evans Secures FG Scholarship, Claims He’s Now a Changed Man

Convicted kidnapper Evans reportedly receives a Federal Government scholarship, asserting that he has reformed. 

Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, widely recognized as Evans and a convicted leader of kidnapping operations, informed the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja that he has reformed his ways and is requesting clemency from the Lagos State Government.

On Thursday, Evans expressed his dedication to rehabilitation through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo. This statement came after he pled guilty to an amended five-count charge filed by the Lagos State Government, which includes murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

At the hearing, state prosecutor Sule Yusuf notified the court that the case would be starting anew and asked for a re-arraignment of the defendants. Evans’ attorney, alongside C.N. Udeh’s lawyer representing his co-defendant, did not object to this request.

The prosecution claimed that Evans and an accomplice, Joseph Emeka, killed Peter Nweke on August 27, 2013, at approximately 10 p.m., near 3rd Avenue in FESTAC Town, Lagos.

In addition, they faced accusations of murdering Chijioke Ngozi on that same day. Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty.

After their plea, Yusuf asked that they stay in custody and confirmed that Evans had filed a plea bargain request through his lawyer, as did his co-defendant.

Etudo advised the court about his client’s attempts to reform, stating: “We are prioritizing the plea bargain submitted to the state government. My client has shown genuine remorse and transformation from being a young man once engaged in criminal activities. He is currently continuing his education as a 200-level student at the National Open University.”

He achieved A1 grades in all his NECO papers while incarcerated, thanks to a scholarship provided by the Federal Government.

“Your Honor, we have requested that the Lagos State Government allow him to visit schools throughout the state to educate young people about the dangers of crime.”

Yusuf confirmed the submission of the plea bargain application and mentioned that it would be reviewed by the appropriate committee.

Justice Adenike Coker postponed the case to March 20, 2025, for additional proceedings.

After the hearing, Etudo spoke to journalists and emphasized Evans’ transformation, crediting it to the intervention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government.

He stated, “My client has undergone a significant transformation and is now a changed man. His reformation was facilitated by the RCCG and the Federal Government, which granted him a scholarship to study and improve himself.”