The re-arraignment of convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was delayed on Thursday due to the absence of his legal counsel.
The case, presided over by Justice Adenike Coker at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, was adjourned until further notice. Evans, who is facing multiple charges related to kidnapping and extortion, had his previous conviction upheld, with this new trial addressing additional legal matters.
The court emphasized the importance of the defense counsel's presence for fair proceedings.
When the matter came up before the court on Thursday, Justice Coker asked the defendant, Evans about his lawyer.
Evans simply responded, “I’m not sure if my lawyer is coming”.
Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were to be re-arraigned before the court on an amended five counts charge of murder, attempt to murder, conspiracy to commit felony to wit: kidnapping and attempt to murder.
When Justice Coker asked the counsel to the second defendant, Nelson Onyejaka, about Evans’s lawyer, Onyejaka explained to the court, “My Lord I tried his number and it’s not going. Even this morning I tried his number and he is not based in Lagos.”