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Court Asks Convicted Kidnap Kingpin Evans, To Refund €233,000 To Kidnap Victim

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Court Asks Convicted Kidnap Kingpin Evans, To Refund €233,000 To Kidnap Victim

By Ifeoma Ikem

Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) High Court of Lagos State,Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi has asked the convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, to refund the sum of €233, 000, Euro,out of the ransom he coercively collected from one of his victims, Chief Donatus Dunu.

Justice Ogunjobi also ordered Evans to pay N50 million, as general damages in favour of the claimant.

The Claimant, a pharmacist was abducted on February 14, 2017, for ransom and held hostage, before he escaped from captivity.

Upon his escape he alleged that Evans collected the sum of €233, 000 as ransom prior to his escape from abduction.

The Claimant, who is the CEO of Maydon Pharmaceutical Company, consequently filed the suit marked LD/5243GCM/2018 demanding the return of the sum of £223, 000 he paid as ransom while in the kidnap kingpin’s custody.

The claimant also demanded the sum of N50 million as damages.

In his testimony before the court, the Claimant, a pharmacist said that he abducted on February 14, 2017, for ransom and held hostage, before he escaped from captivity.

Upon his escape he alleged that the Defendant collected the sum of €233, 000, as ransom prior to his escape from abduction.

The claimant added that the defendant also asked him to instruct his brothers, Anslem Dunu and Innocent Dunu to pay the ransom.

He stated that the sum of €233, 000 was paid but the defendant refused to release him. He eventually escaped from captivity.

He was not cross examined despite several adjournment for cross examination.

Also, the Claimant’s brother, Anslem Dunu gave evidence on behalf of the claimant and adopt his witness statement on oath sworn-to on May 16, 2022.

His evidence is that on February 14, 2017, his brother, one Innocent Dunu informed him that the claimant was abducted.

The next day he spoke with the claimant on phone who instructed him to pay his abductors N100 million as ransom for his release.

He stated that the abductors later demanded for £1million. His relation, one Uchenna Okagwu delivered €233, 000 Euros, to the abductors. He was not cross examined.

However, in his defence, the Evans contended that the strength of the claimant’s case is predicated majorly upon criminal trial against him and others in Suit No. 1D/5970C/2017.

He also submitted that the only evidence before the Court as to the payment of €233, 000 and to whom if any it was paid to was the evidence of Uchenna Okagwu who allegedly delivered the money to the abductors.

He added that in the criminal trial in Suit No. 1D/5970C/2017, Uchenna Okagwu testified that he dropped the said sum on the ground and fled and that he did not see anybody or delivered the money to anyone.

He argued that the evidence of Uchenna Okagwu who delivered the said ransom to the abductors which is the only direct evidence must pass the test of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Defendant submitted that the judgment delivered by Justice O.H. Oshodi on the 25th day of February, 2022 is now subject of an Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division.

In his judgment, Justice Ogunjobi held that the defendant gave inconsistent evidence and cannot be rewarded as a truthful witness.

The Judge stated that having watched the demeanour of the defendant in the witness box while giving evidence, he came to the conclusion that the defendant is not a witness of truth, and his evidence cannot be trusted.

Justice Ogunjobi further held “Its settled law that no witness who gives materially inconsistent evidence on oath is entitled to the honour of being accorded with any credibility and such does not deserve to be treated as a truthful witness.

“Aside adducing conflicting pieces of evidence on oath, I have watched the demeanour of the Defendant in the witness box when giving evidence and came to the conclusion that the Defendant is not a witness of truth. I do not believe his evidence. I accept the unchallenged and uncontroverted evidence of the Claimant and his witnesses. The evidence support the reliefs sought by the Claimant.

“Consequently, the claimant is entitled to be paid or repaid and or recover from the defendant, the sum of €233,000 Euro, (Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Euros) ransom coercively paid by the claimant to defendant, when the defendant kidnapped the claimant in the year 2017 and held the Claimant hostage for months.

“The sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira) is awarded as general damages in favour of the Claimant against the Defendant.

“Post judgment interest is awarded on the said sum of Euro233,000 at the rate of 10 percent per annum from judgment i.e.14th of February, 2023 until final liquidation. The adjudged said sum of Euros 233,000 (Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Euros) and N50, 000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) is hereby ordered to be paid or recovered from the Assets of the Defendant. This is the Judgment of the Court.”

The court however refused the claim for pre-judgment interest of 40 percent per annum on the €233, 000.

celebrity radar - gossips

GRACE EFOBI: FROM CHOIR STAR TO GLOBAL GOSPEL SENSATION!

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2025

Sahara Weekly

GRACE EFOBI: FROM CHOIR STAR TO GLOBAL GOSPEL SENSATION!

Nigerian-UK Worship Powerhouse Celebrates 15 Years in Music, Promotes New Hit ‘Jigidem,’ and Gears Up for April 2025 Release!

Grace Efobi, the UK-based Nigerian contemporary gospel artist, has continued to soar in the global gospel music scene, marking 15 years of professional music ministry with an unwavering passion for God’s kingdom. Born and raised in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, her journey began in the church choir, where her voice first captivated hearts. Today, she stands as a seasoned recording artist with 10 powerful tracks to her name.

‘JIGIDEM’ TAKES CENTER STAGE!

Efobi’s latest release, Jigidem, is making waves across digital platforms, blessing listeners with its soul-stirring melodies. Featuring the sensational Rheta Ritche Jacobs, the song is a divine anthem of hope, faith, and strength in God.

NEW MUSIC ALERT: ‘YOU REIGN’ DROPS APRIL 2025!

As she continues her remarkable journey, Efobi is set to release a brand-new single, ‘YOU REIGN,’ in April 2025. The song is a powerful declaration of God’s supremacy, the resurrection of Christ, and His infinite greatness. With her signature heartfelt delivery and lyrical depth, You Reign promises to be a worship anthem for generations.

A WOMAN OF IMPACT

Beyond the music, Grace Efobi is a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother, balancing her family life with an unshakable commitment to spreading the gospel through music. Her unwavering faith and dedication continue to inspire many across the globe.

Stay connected with Grace Efobi:
Instagram: @graceefobi
Facebook: @graceefobi
TikTok: @graceefobi
YouTube: @gefobi7@googlemail.com

With her voice as a vessel of worship, Grace Efobi’s legacy in gospel music is only getting stronger!

#GraceEfobi #Jigidem #YouReign #GospelMusic #WorshipAnthem #KingdomSound

celebrity radar - gossips

‘I Cry Because of the Burdens People Carry’ – Pastor Jerry Eze Opens Up on Emotional Prayer Sessions

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

‘I Cry Because of the Burdens People Carry’ – Pastor Jerry Eze Opens Up on Emotional Prayer Sessions

Renowned Nigerian televangelist and founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, has revealed the deep emotional weight behind his tearful prayer sessions, sparking conversations among his followers.

Speaking during an interview to mark the fifth anniversary of his popular online prayer platform, NSPPD (New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations), Pastor Eze explained that his tears are not mere theatrics but a reflection of his overwhelming compassion for the countless people who seek divine intervention.

“The Bible says we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities,” he stated. “I have always known myself to be a very compassionate person, and coming into ministry, I realized that compassion is an inevitable tool for the miraculous.”

According to him, his inbox is flooded daily with heartbreaking messages from people facing unimaginable hardships, making it impossible for him to remain indifferent. He recounted a particularly devastating story: “How do you make this kind of prayer? You see a woman who lost her husband, tried to remarry, lost the second one, and after everything, tried to marry a third time only to lose him too. How do you not feel that?”

Pastor Jerry Eze’s tearful prayers have become a signature aspect of his ministry, drawing millions to his online services. His explanation has further solidified his reputation as a pastor deeply moved by the struggles of his congregation, with many testifying to miraculous turnarounds after his intercessions.

While some critics have questioned his emotional displays, his followers see them as a sign of genuine empathy and spiritual burden. As NSPPD continues to grow globally, Pastor Eze remains committed to his calling, declaring, “What God cannot do does not exist!”

celebrity radar - gossips

Governor Monday Okpebholo aide condemn killing in Uromi…..

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Governor Monday Okpebholo aide condemn killing in Uromi…..

No amount of pressure, frustration, or disagreement should ever justify the taking of another person’s life. Life is sacred, and the act of unlawfully ending someone else’s existence goes against the fundamental principles of justice, morality, and human dignity.

With that being said, the tragic incident that occurred yesterday in Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North East where about eight person of the Hausa community where allegedly identified to be kidnappers beaten and burnt alive, is deeply condemnable. It is disheartening to witness such acts of violence within the uromi community, where peace and unity should be the guiding principles. The behavior exhibited during this unfortunate event was not only unnecessary but also unacceptable, as it disregarded the values of justice and respect for human life.

In times like this, we must remind ourselves that violence only leads to pain, loss, and division. As a people, we must strive for peaceful resolutions to any issues that may arise from our community and uphold the virtues of patience, understanding, and dialogue. No grievance, no matter how severe, should push anyone to commit such a grievous act.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the departed. May their soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.

May God heal the land, restore peace, and guide us towards a society built on love, justice, and mutual respect.

Daniel Eromosele Aka Pikolo,
Chief Protocol,
Edo State Government.