Counsel in Evans’ alleged kidnap case urges court to stay proceedings
One of the counsel to a defendant in the ongoing trial of kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, Emmanuel Ochai, yesterday asked a Lagos High Court, Igbosere to stay proceedings.Ochai informed the court that he has filed a notice of Appeal, challenging the decision of the court not to quash the charge brought against his client, Victor Aduba.
He also said that he has served the prosecution, Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP) with the application and that the prosecution only served their reply to him in court. Ochai therefore asked the court for time to enable him study the counter-Affidavit so that he could reply.
It would be recalled that, Evans was docked in the first charge with Victor Aduba on conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms. In the second charge, Evans was arraigned with three other defendants, Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze, and Udeme Upong. They are facing charges bordering on murder, attempt to commit murder, attempt to kidnap, sale and transfer of firearms.
In the same vein, counsel to Evans, Olukoya Ogungbeje, also told the court that he has filed an application to quash the amended charge and served same to the prosecution and that the prosecution has not filed any reply. He told the court that the prosecution did not comply with the order given by the court on Nov. 10, asking the DPP to properly file the proof of evidence in the amended charge. He therefore, urged the court to quash the amended charge.
Following Ogungbeje’s submission, Shitta-Be asked the court for time to reply to the application for quash of the amended charge. Also, counsel to the second defendant, Ogedi Ogu, informed the court of an application urging the court to also quash the charge against his client, Joseph Emeka as evidence did not link his client to the alleged offences.After listening to all the arguments, Justice Taiwo adjourned the case to Feb. 13, 14, and 15, for hearing of pending applications.
