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Evans Re-Arraignment For Murder Stalled, Defendants Opts For Plea Bargain

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The arraignment of Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, commonly known as Evans, the convicted kidnap kingpin, was postponed on Thursday at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja due to the absence of his counsel. The trial judge, Justice Adenike Coker, adjourned the case until June 13 to allow for the planned arraignment.

Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, face an amended five-count charge including murder, attempted kidnap, and conspiracy. They are accused of killing Peter Nweke on August 27, 2013, in Festac Town, Lagos, as well as Chijioke Ngozi. Additionally, they are charged with attempting and subsequently killing Obianado Vincent, the Chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors.

During Thursday’s proceedings, when the defendants were called into the dock, they informed the court that they were not aware of the arraignment and expressed doubts about whether their lawyers were informed.

A Lagos state government counsel, Yusuf Sule, representing the prosecution, informed the court that Evans’s counsel, although based in Abuja, was aware of the arraignment. Sule also mentioned that the counsel for the second defendant was occupied with another case before a different judge.

Sule informed the court that both defendants had applied for a plea bargain, which was under consideration by the Attorney General of the state. He also explained the amended charges, noting that two previous defendants were no longer included due to one passing away in prison and the other being convicted.

The prosecutor requested a new date for the arraignment, which was granted by Justice Coker. She instructed Evans to ensure his counsel’s presence on the next adjourned date and fixed June 13 for the arraignment and a report on the plea bargain agreement.

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Crime

BREAKING: Tragic One-Way Crash Claims Tricycle Driver’s Life in Meiran Lagos

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A commercial tricycle driver has been killed in a fatal one-way crash in the Meiran area of Lagos State.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a vehicle travelling against the designated flow of traffic on a one-way road collided head-on with the tricycle.

The impact left the tricycle driver with severe injuries, and he was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders.

Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force were quickly mobilised to the location. The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily disrupted as recovery operations got underway. The body of the deceased has been evacuated to a nearby mortuary pending formal identification and further investigations.

Authorities say the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, including the identity of the tricycle driver and details of the other vehicle involved, are still being established. Police have launched a probe into the incident, with particular focus on the alleged one-way driving that led to the collision.

Road safety officials have once again cautioned motorists against driving against traffic, describing the practice as a major contributor to fatal accidents on Lagos roads. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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Crime

JUST IN: Zamfara LG Chairman Freed After 61 Days in Captivity

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The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the release of Nura Abdullahi, Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, after spending 61 days in the captivity of kidnappers.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development to Arise News in a telephone interview on Thursday. He said the chairman is presently receiving medical attention in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, following his release.

According to the police, Abdullahi regained his freedom alongside other persons who were abducted with him on the same day and taken to an unknown location. The exact circumstances surrounding the release were not immediately disclosed.

Police authorities have remained silent on whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom. However, unconfirmed reports circulating in the state claim that the sum of ₦200 million was earlier paid to the kidnappers. The reports further allege that the abductors refused to free the chairman at the time and continued to hold him, demanding additional payment.

The abduction occurred when heavily armed attackers invaded Abdullahi’s residence in Bungudu town. During the assault, two security agents attached to the local government chairman were killed. His elder brother was also shot and later died in hospital from the injuries sustained.

The release of the Bungudu LG chairman marks the end of a prolonged ordeal that had drawn concern across Zamfara State. Further details on the condition of the other freed victims and any ongoing investigations are still being awaited from the police.

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Crime

Boko Haram Attacks Adamawa Community, Kills Residents

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Boko Haram militants have launched a deadly invasion of a community in Adamawa State, killing several residents and setting multiple houses ablaze.

The attack, described by local sources as sudden and coordinated, saw the fighters storm the area, opening fire on civilians and torching homes. Survivors reported scenes of chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the assault. A number of people were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

The burning of houses has left many families displaced, with properties and livelihoods destroyed in the violence. The community remains tense, and residents are calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.

Security forces are yet to issue a comprehensive official update on the incident, though reports indicate that troops have been mobilised to the area.

The assault is the latest in a series of raids attributed to the group in the northeast, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents in Adamawa and neighbouring states.

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