Evans, a notorious kidnap kingpin, has expressed remorse for his past crimes and applied for mercy through a plea bargain with the Lagos State Government.
Defense counsel Emefo Etudo defended Evans in a January 29 hearing, stating that despite amended charges of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, Evans underwent a significant personal transformation.
“My client is now a repentant person,” Etudo said. “He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful.
Presently, he is a 200-level student at the National Open University. In fact, he made A1 in all his papers in NECO while in prison, thanks to a scholarship provided by the Federal Government.”
Etudo further revealed that Evans has applied for a plea bargain through the Attorney-General’s office, requesting the opportunity to visit schools in the state to educate young people about the dangers of crime.
State Prosecutor Y.A. Sule confirmed Evans’ application for a plea bargain, stating that it would be reviewed by the relevant authorities.
He added that the matter before the court was the re-arraignment of Evans to begin proceedings anew.
“The 1st defendant (Evans) has indeed applied for a plea bargain, which was served on us. We shall be examining it. The second defendant has also made a similar application,” Sule stated.
Justice Coker adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Etudo emphasized the role of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Federal Government in Evans’ reformation process.
He credited the efforts of the church and the educational scholarship for his client’s transformation, asserting that Evans is now a changed man.
“My client has been transformed, and his reformation was made possible by the RCCG and the Federal Government.
He is on the path to becoming a better person,” Etudo said.