Judge Expresses Concern Over Delay In Evans Trial

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court on
Wednesday expressed concern over the delay in the trial of kidnap
kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, a.k.a. Evans.

This followed the absence of prosecution witnesses in the two
cases before her court which stalled the trial of alleged kidnap
kingpin.

Evans is being tried alongside a dismissed soldier, Victor
Aduba.

The defendants are facing a four- count charge bordering
kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

Evans and the dismissed soldier are accused of kidnapping
Sylvanus Ahamonu, holding him hostage for nine weeks and collecting
a ransom of $420,000 from his family.

During resumed proceedings yesterday , the prosecutor Mrs O.A
Bajulaiye-Bishi informed the court that the prosecution was unable
to serve the summons issued to the witness to testify because of
the ill healthiest of the lead prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule.

Reacting, the Evans’ counsel, Victor Okpara, confirmed the
development.

“Our learned friend did communicate her predicament to me in the
morning.

“However, if there is a repeat of this scenario on the next
adjourned date I will have to make the necessary applications to
the court,” he said.

In the second suit, Evans is facing trial alongside Joseph
Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Upong over the attempted kidnap of
Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow
Motors.

They are facing a seven-count charge of murder, attempted
murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale
and transfer of firearms.
When the matter came up, Mrs Bajulaiye-Bishi, informed the court
that the witness Insp Idowu Haruna, Investigating Police Officer
(IPO) who was due continue his testimony in the trial-within-trial
was unavailable.

The prosecutor informed the court that the IPO was on an
official assignment and that he will be “hopefully present” on the
next adjourned date.

Responding, the judge expressed unhappiness over the slow pace
of proceedings.

She noted that the two cases before her had commenced since
2017.

“This case of Obianodo kidnap is for the continuation of the
trial-within-trial. It appears the prosecution is not ready with
their witness.

“The court grants the prosecution a last chance to put its house
in order.”

She adjourned both cases untill April 5 for continuation of
hearing.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court on
Wednesday expressed concern over the delay in the trial of kidnap
kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, a.k.a. Evans.

This followed the absence of prosecution witnesses in the two
cases before her court which stalled the trial of alleged kidnap
kingpin.

Evans is being tried alongside a dismissed soldier, Victor
Aduba.

The defendants are facing a four- count charge bordering
kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

Evans and the dismissed soldier are accused of kidnapping
Sylvanus Ahamonu, holding him hostage for nine weeks and collecting
a ransom of $420,000 from his family.

During resumed proceedings yesterday , the prosecutor Mrs O.A
Bajulaiye-Bishi informed the court that the prosecution was unable
to serve the summons issued to the witness to testify because of
the ill healthiest of the lead prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule.

Reacting, the Evans’ counsel, Victor Okpara, confirmed the
development.

“Our learned friend did communicate her predicament to me in the
morning.

“However, if there is a repeat of this scenario on the next
adjourned date I will have to make the necessary applications to
the court,” he said.

In the second suit, Evans is facing trial alongside Joseph
Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Upong over the attempted kidnap of
Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow
Motors.

They are facing a seven-count charge of murder, attempted
murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale
and transfer of firearms.
When the matter came up, Mrs Bajulaiye-Bishi, informed the court
that the witness Insp Idowu Haruna, Investigating Police Officer
(IPO) who was due continue his testimony in the trial-within-trial
was unavailable.

The prosecutor informed the court that the IPO was on an
official assignment and that he will be “hopefully present” on the
next adjourned date.

Responding, the judge expressed unhappiness over the slow pace
of proceedings.

She noted that the two cases before her had commenced since
2017.

“This case of Obianodo kidnap is for the continuation of the
trial-within-trial. It appears the prosecution is not ready with
their witness.

“The court grants the prosecution a last chance to put its house
in order.”

She adjourned both cases untill April 5 for continuation of
hearing.