Finally, kidnap kingpin, Evans, 2 others bag jail term

The Ikeja Special Offenses Court sentenced Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, and his accomplice Victor Aduba on Monday to 21 years to life in jail for kidnapping a businessman named Slyvanus Ahamonou and extorting $420,000 from his family as ransom.

The sentence was given to the group on Friday after Justice Hakeem Oshodi found them guilty on two charges of conspiracy and kidnapping Donatus Duru, a businessman.

The victim is the Managing Director of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Justice Oshodi concluded that the prosecution had successfully established the accusation against the trio beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict them.

The judge stated that in several of the confessional recordings aired in court, Evans had indicated some of the other defendants and the roles they played in the crime. In reaching his decision about Evans, the judge claimed that he had observed the witness’s demeanor.

“He was seen laughing freely and answering questions voluntarily. His body exhibits no signs of torture under detailed inspection. He didn’t appear messy. Even after being warned that he must be a wealthy kidnapper, he can be seen laughing, according to Justice Oshodi.

“He showed no remorse in the dock and tried to lie his way out of the crimes despite the video evidence.”

He concluded that the evidence tendered before the court especially their video confessions corroborated their guilt.