Evans (kidnapper)
Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike | |
|---|---|
| Other name | Evans |
| Known for | Kidnapping |
Criminal penalty | Life imprisonment and additional prison terms |
Criminal status | Imprisoned |
Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, is a Nigerian convicted kidnapper. He became one of Nigeria's most widely known kidnapping suspects following his arrest by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos in June 2017 after several years on the police wanted list.[1][2]
He is a native of Nnewi, Anambra State. Following his arrest, police accused him of masterminding several high-profile kidnappings across Lagos State, Edo State, and other parts of southern Nigeria, with victims allegedly paying large sums in ransom.[3]
Arrest
Onwuamadike was arrested on 10 June 2017 at his residence in Lagos by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) after years of investigation.[4][5]
Investigators alleged that he led a criminal network responsible for multiple kidnappings of prominent businessmen and professionals in southern Nigeria.[6]
Trial
On 30 August 2017, Onwuamadike and several co-defendants were arraigned before the Lagos State High Court on charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.[7]
His prosecution continued through several criminal proceedings before different judges of the Lagos State High Court involving separate kidnapping allegations.[8]
On 10 October 2025, he was re-arraigned before Justice A. O. Ogala on charges including murder, attempted murder and conspiracy relating to the killing of police officers.[9]
Convictions
On 25 February 2022, the Lagos State High Court convicted Onwuamadike of conspiracy and kidnapping in connection with the abduction of businessman Donatus Dunu and sentenced him to life imprisonment.[10][11]
In a separate case, the Lagos State Special Offences Court sentenced him to an additional 21 years' imprisonment for the kidnapping of Sylvanus Ahanonu.[12]
See also
References
- ↑ Ezeobi, Chiemelie (12 June 2017). "How Police Finally Nabbed Notorious Kidnapper, Evans". This Day.
- ↑ Gaffey, Conor (12 June 2017). "Meet Evans, Nigeria's Most Wanted Kidnapper, Captured After Gun Battle". Newsweek.
- ↑ "Police parade billionaire kidnap suspect Evans". Premium Times. 11 June 2017.
- ↑ Ezeobi, Chiemelie (12 June 2017). "How Police Finally Nabbed Notorious Kidnapper, Evans". This Day.
- ↑ "Police arrest notorious kidnap kingpin Evans". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 11 June 2017.
- ↑ "Police parade billionaire kidnap suspect Evans". Premium Times. 11 June 2017.
- ↑ Ramon, Oladimeji (7 May 2018). "Let me face my trial alive, Evans breaks down in tears". The Punch.
- ↑ "Judge gives prosecution last chance in Evans trial". Premium Times. 17 March 2021.
- ↑ "Lagos re-arraigns kidnapper Evans over police officers' killing". The Punch. 10 October 2025.
- ↑ "Court slams life imprisonment on Evans for kidnapping". TheCable. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ "Evans sentenced to life imprisonment". Peoples Gazette. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ "Evans gets 21 years jail term for kidnapping businessman". The Punch. 19 September 2022.