TheCable

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, suspected billionaire kidnapper better known as Evans, has got a new lawyer to handle his case.

Olukoya Ogungbeje and Chino Obiagwu, his former counsels, withdrew from his case on January 31, 2019.

But on Friday, RBC Eke, a lawyer represented him at Igbosere high court in Lagos.

This is Evans’ third counsel since he was arraigned in 2017. The defendant is standing trial on two separate charges before the judge.

In the first charge, he is on trial alongside Joseph Ikenna Emeka, 29, Chiemeka Arinze, 39, Udeme Frank Upong, 43, on a seven-count charge of murder, conspiracy to kidnap and selling of firearms.

While in the second charge, he is standing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Linus Okpara and Victor Aduba.

On April 10, Adedayo Akintoye, the presiding judge, had given Evans till Friday to get a new lawyer.

He gave him three options he could use in the legal matter.

“You have three options, you can get another lawyer to represent you or the court can appoint one for you or you can defend yourself,” he said.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, Eke informed the court that since he had just taken over the case, he would need time to study the case file.

He prayed the court to grant him an adjournment so that he could catch up with the proceedings.

Akintoye granted his prayer and adjourned till June 27 for continuation of trial on the first charge.