By ADENIKE AYODELE

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case, which was previously before Justice Adenike Coker, has been transferred to Justice Oyindamola Ogala for continuation of trial.

When the matter was called, State Counsel, Mr Olawale Azeez, appeared for the Lagos State Government, while Ms Charity Odu. represented Chief Emefo Etudo on behalf of Evans.

Mr Nelson Onyejaka appeared for Evan’s co-defendant, Joseph Emeka.

The prosecution informed the court that the case was a transferred matter and requested that the defendants be re-arraigned, 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 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, Mr Peter Nweke and Mr Chijioke Ngozi on Aug. 27, 2013, about 10 p.m. on the 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 Nov. 19 for hearing and issuance of witness summons. (NAN)