Alleged notorious kidnapper, Onuamadike Chukwudimeje, alias Evans
Evans and his other accomplices during a court appearance. PHOTO: Ayo Odekanyin.
MR Anselem Dunu, the elder brother of Donatus Dunu, the Chairman of Maydon Pharmaceutical Limited, who was kidnapped on February 14, 2017, allegedly by kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans on Friday revealed that a strange voice gave him instructions on where to drop the ransom money.
Dunu who said this while being cross-examined by Evans’ counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje before an Ikeja High Court said that he could not recognise the owner of the voice.
Upon further cross-examination, Dunu said that he only acted on the orders ‘voice’ that told him where to drop the ransom money and that he did not suspect anyone.
Recall that Dunu the first prosecution witness in Lagos State’s kidnap case against Evans and five others while giving evidence had recollected that he paid 233,000 Euros to secure the release of his brother from the kidnapper’s den.
Evans is standing trial alongside Uche Amadi, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba who are also members of Evans syndicate.
They were arraigned on charges of kidnapping and conspiracy, which they all pleaded not guilty to.
At Friday’s proceedings, Dunu further added that he only met Evans for the first time at the Lagos State Police Command.
“I never suspected him of kidnapping my brother. I only gave instructions to my cousin on where to drop the ransom money as instructed by the voice on the phone,” he said.
Dunu further went on to describe the voice as muffled and unrecognisable.
The proposed cross-examination could not go on as the 4th defendant, had no legal representation, a situation which compelled the presiding judge, Justice Hakeem is to adjourn the matter till March 2, for continuation of cross-examination, and to rule on a bail application brought by the 6th defendant who asked the court to grant him bail.
Earlier Director of Lagos State Prosecution, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey accused the 4th defendant of trying to frustrate the trial.
“My Lord, the 4th defendant at the last adjourned date did not have legal representation and this is also the case today. The court should take notice of the Supreme Court’s ruling on unnecessary delays in trial,” she said.
Ogungbeje who had earlier represented the 4th defendant said he pulled out because the defendant did not perfect his brief (payment).