A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has adjourned the hearing in the case of convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, until November 21. The arraignment and plea bargain outcome could not proceed on Thursday due to the absence of Evans, his counsel, and the prosecution, which is represented by the Lagos State Government.

Evans, alongside his co-defendant Joseph Emekam, is facing a five-count charge related to conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder. The charges were brought against them by the Lagos State Government. Both defendants have been embroiled in a high-profile case linked to multiple kidnappings across Nigeria, making Evans one of the most notorious criminals in recent times.

At the previous court hearing on May 11, the prosecution counsel, Yusuf Sule, informed the court that the defendants had submitted an application for a plea bargain. He further disclosed that the terms of the plea bargain were being reviewed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, SAN.

However, during Thursday’s scheduled hearing, the defense counsel for Evans’ co-defendant, Nelson Onyejaka, expressed his surprise at the absence of both the prosecution and the first defendant’s counsel. Justice Coker, presiding over the case, instructed that a production warrant be issued for the arraignment of the defendants on November 21, while also adjourning the case for a report on the plea bargain outcome.

The adjournment highlights ongoing legal delays in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile criminal cases, leaving the public and the victims’ families waiting for a resolution.