Chukwudi Onuamadike

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, is a Nigerian convicted kidnapper. He became one of Nigeria's most widely known kidnapping suspects following his arrest by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos in June 2017 after several years on the police wanted list.

He is a native of Nnewi, Anambra State. Following his arrest, police accused him of masterminding several high-profile kidnappings across Lagos State, Edo State, and other parts of southern Nigeria, with victims allegedly paying large sums in ransom.

Arrest

Onwuamadike was arrested on 10 June 2017 at his residence in Lagos by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) after years of investigation.

Investigators alleged that he led a criminal network responsible for multiple kidnappings of prominent businessmen and professionals in southern Nigeria.

Trial

On 30 August 2017, Onwuamadike and several co-defendants were arraigned before the Lagos State High Court on charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

His prosecution continued through several criminal proceedings before different judges of the Lagos State High Court involving separate kidnapping allegations.

On 10 October 2025, he was re-arraigned before Justice A. O. Ogala on charges including murder, attempted murder and conspiracy relating to the killing of police officers.

Convictions

On 25 February 2022, the Lagos State High Court convicted Onwuamadike of conspiracy and kidnapping in connection with the abduction of businessman Donatus Dunu and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

In a separate case, the Lagos State Special Offences Court sentenced him to an additional 21 years' imprisonment for the kidnapping of Sylvanus Ahanonu.