The Lagos State High Court on Friday pronounced a guilty verdict on Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike (alias Evans) and two others over the protracted abduction trial.

Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Ikeja Division said Evans was guilty of kidnapping Donatus Dunu on February 14, 2017, and collecting €223,000 as ransom from his family. 

Two other suspects, Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, were also found guilty by the judge.

The conviction marked the end of an extensive trial that began when Evans was arrested by the police in an operation led by now-disgraced officer Abba Kyari.

Evans’ lawyers had argued in court that he was forced to implicate himself when Mr Kyari executed six suspects before him in secret custody.

But the judge said other evidence, apart from Evans’ statement to the police, strongly linked him to the crime without any reasonable doubt.

“He was seen freely laughing and willingly answered questions. A close look at his body shows no sign of torture. He did not look unkempt. He is seen laughing even when he was told that he must be a rich kidnapper,” Mr Oshodi said.

“He showed no remorse in the dock and tried to lie his way out of the crimes despite the video evidence,” the judge added.