Update On The Trial Of Billionaire kidnapper, Evans

The on-going trial of alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans and five others over alleged kidnapping has suffered a set-back at an Ikeja High Court, due to a lack of legal representation for Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Evans’ co-defendant.

News reaching us is that during proceedings on Friday, Nwachukwu who is the fifth defendant, informed the court that he was unable to engage the services of a lawyer and that he also did not want to represent himself.

Following the development, Mr Adebayo Haroun, the lead State Prosecuting Counsel, told the court that he was aware that Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had visited Kirikiri Prisons in respect of legal representation for Evans.

Haroun, however, said he was uncertain whether Shitta-Bey also discussed legal representation with Nwachukwu.

Justice Hakeem Oshodi, therefore, stood-down proceedings to enable the state counsel to telephone Shitta-Bey to confirm if she discussed legal representation with the fifth defendant.

When proceedings resumed, Haroun told the court that the DPP confirmed not discussing legal representation with Nwachukwu.

Reacting, Oshodi said: “the DPP should be informed formally about the provision of a lawyer for the fourth defendant and proof of service should be submitted in court.

This case is adjourned till Aug. 15 for continuation of trial.”