BEVERLY HILLS, November 10, (THEWILL) – Suspected billionaire kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, has denied all allegations of kidnapping leveled against him by the Lagos State Government.
Evans and his co-defendant, Victor Nonso Aduba, pleaded not guilty to a four count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of weapons and demand of a $2 million ransom.
The defendants were arraigned after a Lagos High Court in Igbosere dismissed two applications by Evans seeking to quash the charges of kidnapping against him.
The court ruled, among others, that there was sufficient ground for a prima facie case against Evans and second defendant Victor Nonso Aduba.
Justice Taiwo held: “I have read the proof of evidence. The court is the view of this court that there is sufficient reason to proceed. I find that this court has jurisdiction to try the charges. This application is subsequently dismissed.”
The judge held that the proof of evidence filed by the state in support of the charges disclosed sufficient material worth pursuing by the prosecuting counsel.
The dismissal of the applications paved the way for Evans’ arraignment on two fresh charges.
However, Evans’ counsel Olukoya Ogungbeje informed the court of his intention to test the decision at the Court of Appeal.
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