•Witnesses in Evans trial to testify online

A Lagos Special Offences Court yesterday ordered two witnesses, who fear coming to court to testify against alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike alias Evans to testify online.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo granted the application by the prosecution counsel, Ms. S.O Fashola, who requested that evidence of two prosecution witnesses be heard in court via audiovisual means.

The court in granting the request held that, the prosecution has cogent reasons.

She said: “This court is satisfied that the prosecution has given cogent reasons why Section 210 of the Evidence Act 2011and Section 200(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law as amended should avail the prosecution.

“It is stated on the affidavit that the witnesses are concerned for their lives and that of their families and they now live outside the jurisdiction of the court. In the light of this and in the interest of justice and to expedite action, I hereby grant the application as prayed. “

The judge therefore adjourned further trial to December 17 and ordered that the prosecution should ensure that necessary arrangements are made.

Evans is standing trial alongside Victor Aduba, a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army on a four-count charge of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

The defendants were accused of kidnapping one Mr. Sylvanus Ahamonu, holding him hostage for at least nine weeks and collecting a ransom of $420,000 from his family.

MEANWHILE, Evans co-defendant in another charge, Chiemeka Arinze has died in prison custody.

Aside Evans, Arinze is standing trial alongside, Joseph Emeka, and Udeme Upong, over attempted kidnap of Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors, before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.

They are facing a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to kidnap, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.

According to a medical report, Chemeka Arinze died on Friday, November 26 as a result of Cardio-pulmonary arrest.

It was gathered that Arinze, who had been sick was rushed from the prison to a General Hospital on Friday, where he later died.

The medical records from Ajeromi General Hospital, Ajegunle signed by Dr. Salisu B. E. indicated that the deceased , who died at the age of 45 was suffering from complicated advanced human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).