News
Billionaire kidnapper, Evans Re-Arraigned, Begs For Plea Bargain, clemency
Billionnaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwamadike a.k.a Evans, on Thursday urged the Lagos High Court Ikeja, to consider his application for plea bargain, forgiveness and clemency.
He spoke through his new lawyer, Chief Emefo Otudo, immediately after he was re-arraigned over a five-count charge of alleged murder and kidnapping, by the Lagos State Government.
In the charge filed before Justice Adenike Coker, Evans and one Joseph Nkenna Emeka pleaded not guilty to alleged kidnapping and murder.
According to Evans lawyer, Chief Etudo, the substance of Evans’ application for plea bargain, is with respect to three pending criminal cases on compassionate grounds.
He has earlier been convicted in two other cases with 14 years imprisonment and life jail respectively.
His lawyer told Justice Coker that have been converted to a reasonable human being and being a criminal to a teacher charged entirely Evans name should be graciously dropped from the three pending charges.
He submitted: “That a fresh charge be discretionally filed against the first defendant upon which he will plead guilty and serve 14 years imprisonment If approved.
“That the 14 years imprisonment that may be imposed in the new charge be made to run concurrently with other sentences that might have been given in his other cases listed above.
“Our authority for bringing this application is attached as Appendix 6 and this application supersedes and overrides any previous application made by or on behalf of Mr Onwuamadike for plea bargain.
Speaking further Cheif Otudo told the court that there are five criminal cases against Evans and Lagos state has been prosecuting him for those cases and have gained conviction in two.
He said during the cause of the prosecution Evans has been incarcerated for about eight years.
“While in prison, the Federal Government offered the first defendant and other inmates a second chance and offered them opportunity to to go to school.
“The first defendant (Evans) accepted offer to be educated as they were given scholarship by Federal Government. He has now earned an NCE teaching certificate in Economics.
“He is now a teacher and no longer a criminal. Copy of his NCE certificate and the project he did are attached as appendix 1 & 2.
“Mr Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike was also given admission in the National Open University of Nigeria under the scholarship granted by the Federal Government.
“He is now in 200 level in National Open University of Nigeria offering political Science. Copy of his admission letter is attached as appendix 3. And copy of his ID Card in National Open University of Nigeria is attached as appendix
4.
“Mr Onwuamadike has also learnt technology under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity; to wit, welding and metal fabrication and passed all tests. Copy of the test by Ministry of Labour and Productivity is attached as appendix 5.
Justice Coker told both the Prosecuting lawyer, Mr A. Y. Sule and Chief Otudo representing both parties to wait till March 20, when decision of the committee set up by the Lagos State government on Evans’ application would have been released.
…promises renewed development in region
By Gloria Ikibah
The House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the Commission’s 2025 budget of N250 billion, expressing confidence that it will kick-start much-needed development in the region after decades of neglect following the civil war.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Chris Nkwonta, addressing journalists after the budget defense session on Mondayi Abuja, said that the approval marks the beginning a new chapter for the South East.
Nkwonta commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law, emphasising that the budget will ensure government presence in the South East through key infrastructural projects.
He said: “This budget essentially is going to target those areas where there were deficits in terms of infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
“You are aware that since after the civil war, the South East has been. What it ought to be. Remember that at the end of the civil War there was this promise that was made to us.
“You know the three R’s abd till today, that has not been done until this President signed the bill into law. We are talking about 54 years after the civil war.
“This budget is essentially going to target those areas where there is deficit in infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
“The Commission will be expected to build roads, bridges, railway and manpower development.
“Although the money will not be enough, this is just a take off grant. This is just the beginning because the SEDC is just a growing concern and the President has given them this take off grant.
“The commission also expect money to come in from federal allocation. I am told that money is also expected to come from the five South eastern states, from ecological funds coming into the country and from oil companies operating in the South East.
“Even though this is not enough, we need to start from somewhere. But we are grateful to the President thay after six military heads of state and five democratically elected Presidents, attention has been given to the South East.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Even those boys that are causing trouble, when they see that the region is now being taken care of, what they are doing now will not continue.
“If you want to develop the South East, there has to be peace. If there is no peace and Security, there is nothing we can do. Some of the items in the budget is a aimed addressing insecurity, unemployment and youth development”.
Nkwonta said that the SEDC through its projects implementation would bring about end to agitations and youthful unrest in the area.
The budget ooutline plans to address critical infrastructure deficits in the region.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ECOWAS and strengthening regional ties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, he highlighted Lagos’ strategic role as a hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange in West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu commended ECOWAS for evolving from a mere concept into a vital institution shaping the region’s future. He acknowledged the gathering of leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing integration, peace, and economic growth.
The Governor also praised the ECOWAS Parliament for its efforts in promoting regional unity, defending citizens’ rights, and tackling shared challenges.
Nollywood actor and comedian Ijoba Lande has made terrible disclosures about his troubled marriage, alleging that his wife has been unfaithful with multiple men, including powerful figures in the entertainment industry.
In a heartbreaking outburst, Lande claimed that his marriage has been in turmoil for months, with his wife allegedly engaging in extramarital affairs with at least 21 men in the industry. He further revealed that their intimacy had ceased for over eight months, fueling his suspicions.
The actor recalled a painful incident during his child’s naming ceremony when his wife’s male friend openly danced with her and even tapped her on the backside in front of guests.
“I have evidence, but if I mention their names, I might not make it home alive because powerful men are involved,” he lamented.
Reps Approves N250bn SEDC Budget
ECOWAS at 50: Sanwo-Olu Applauds Achievements, Urges Stronger Commitment to Integration
“My wife has tasted over 21 men in the movie industry-Comedian Ijoba laments
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