Kidnapping: Evans’ Co-defendant Jailed For Five Years

The suspect, who had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him, said he sold two AK47 and 270 AK47 live ammunition to Evans.

In her ruling, the trial judge, Justice Taiwo ruled that the sentence started from the day he was remanded in custody.

Earlier, the counsel to the third defendant, A. B. Josiah, had notified the court about the defendant’s change of plea.

The charge was re-read to the defendant and he pleaded guilty to counts six and seven.

The Director of Directorate of Public Prosecution, Dr Babatunde Martins, told the court that the third defendant admitted to having sold two AK47 and 270 AK47 live ammunition to Evans.

Martins said Udeme, who hails from Itan-kotoromu in Ika Local Government of Akwa-Ibom, made a statement on July 7, 2017, admitted to the offence.

However, Josiah in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, noting that the defendant had no prior criminal record.

Evans, Frank Udeme, Joseph Ikenna and Chiemeka Arinze were arraigned on a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to kidnap and selling of firearms.

They were alleged to have attempted to kidnap Chief Vincent Obianodo, Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors on Aug. 27, 2013.

It was also reported that one of the defendants, Arinze passed away on Nov. 26, 2021, as a result of cardiopulmonary arrest caused by Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Justice Taiwo adjourned the case until March 28 for the continuation of the trial of the remaining two defendants.