Witness billed to testify Evans kidnapping case involved in accident

INSPECTOR Idowu Haruna who was billed to testify in the ongoing trial of alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans was on Thursday involved in an accident.

The Chief State prosecutor, Adebayo Haroun told Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special offence Court, Lagos that the police officer was absent for proceedings as a result of the accident.

Haruna who is attached to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team for , was billed to continue his evidence in chief against Evans and his gang members for allegedly shooting the Young Shall Grow Motors chairman (YSG), Chief Obianuju Vincent and killing two of his escorts.

Though the prosecutor did not disclose the cause of the accident or the degree of injury sustained, he simply told the court that the witness sent an SMS informing him of his current predicament.

ALSO READ: Assets declaration: CCT adjourns Onnoghen’s trial indefinitely

Addressing the court, Haroun said, “My lord, our first prosecution witness is not present in court today because he had a slight accident.

“He sent me an SMS saying that he was involved in an accident and therefore cannot make it for today’s proceedings. We crave the indulgence of the court to grant another date for trial”.

Nigerian Tribune recalls that the witness had during the last proceeding, told the court that Evans shot the YSG chairman on his right arm in an attempt to kidnap him.

Evans is standing trial alongside three of his gang members: Joseph Ikenna Emeka, 29, Chiemeka Arinze, 39, Udeme Frank Upong, 43, on a seven count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to kidnap and selling of firearms.

“During the attack, the YSG chairman was shot on his right arm while his driver, one Mr Peter Nweke was shot dead. One of his escorts, Chijoke Ngozi (female) was also shot dead.

ALSO READ: Another one chance robbery syndicate arrested in Anambra

“During a gun duel between the chairman’s police escorts and the gang, three of kidnappers were shot dead by Inspector Solomon Igwe, while the rest fled from the scene.

Justice Taiwo thereafter adjourned the matter till Feb 6, 2019 for continuation of trial. In a related development, the court also adjourned till February 6 for adoption of written addresses on a trial-within-trial  involving Evans and his co-defendant,Victor Aduba accused of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.