The Lagos State government on Monday rearraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, before the Ikeja High Court for the alleged murder of two police officers.

The case, which was previously before Justice Adenike Coker, has been transferred to Justice Oyindamola Ogala for the continuation of the trial.

When the matter was called, state counsel, Olawale Azeez, appeared for the Lagos State government, while Charity Odu represented Emefo Etudo on behalf of Evans.

Nelson Onyejaka appeared for Evans’ co-defendant, Joseph Emeka.

The prosecution informed the court that the case was a transferred matter and requested that the defendants be rearraigned, irrespective of any plea bargain application earlier filed by the first defendant before Justice Coker.

The defendants were subsequently re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit a felony, to wit: kidnapping.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the prosecution, Evans and his co-defendant allegedly murdered two police officers, Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi, on August 27, 2013, at about 10:00 p.m. on Third Avenue, Festac Town, in Lagos.

The prosecution also informed the court that Evans was already facing five different criminal cases related to kidnapping and murder and had been convicted in two of them.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The court adjourned the case until November 19 for the hearing and issuance of a witness summons.

(NAN)