The Lagos State Government on Monday re-arraigned convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme “Evans” Onwuamadike along with co-defendant Joseph Emeka before the Lagos High Court in Ikeja on a five-count charge of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy, in connection with the 2013 killing of two police officers. The defendants deny the charges. The hearing was adjourned to November 19, 2025.
In the new indictment, prosecutors accuse Evans and Emeka of killing police officers Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi on August 27, 2013, around 10 p.m. at Festac Town, Lagos. The counts filed by the Lagos State Government allege violations of Section 221 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2011. State prosecutor A. O. Azeez confirmed that the case was transferred from Justice Adenike Coker’s court and requested a fresh arraignment despite earlier plea bargain submissions. Both men pleaded not guilty.
This re-arraignment is notable because Evans is already serving sentences on prior convictions and faces multiple ongoing prosecutions. The fresh murder charge suggests renewed efforts by Lagos authorities to hold him accountable for deaths that reportedly occurred during his criminal operations.
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At today’s session, the court formally read the amended five-count charge to the defendants under the supervision of Justice Oyindamola Ogala. After the pleas, the judge adjourned to November 19 for the start of trial proceedings, including issuance of witness summons.
Evans, once described by some court judgments as a mastermind of high-profile kidnapping rings, has had a complex legal history. He was arrested in June 2017 and later convicted on multiple counts of kidnapping. In February 2022, a court found him guilty on conspiracy and kidnapping charges, handing down lengthy sentences.
His legal team previously filed plea bargain applications, but today’s session confirmed that the prosecution chose to pursue fresh trial despite those efforts. Prosecutors emphasized that the new charges stem from alleged violent acts during Evans’ notorious operations before his capture.
The court will at the November 19 sitting issue summons to witnesses and commence formal trial while providing other forms of evidence. Meanwhile, Evans will continue to serve his existing sentences as this new case proceeds.
