The trial of alleged Kidnap kingpin Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans was stalled on Wednesday due to the absence of prosecution witnesses.

Evans has two cases before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Ikeja Special Offences Court and both suffer the same faith

 In the first suit, Evans is standing trial alongside Victor Aduba, a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army.

They are charged with four counts of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

The two are accused of kidnapping one Mr Sylvanus Ahamonu, holding him hostage for over nine weeks and collecting a ransom of 420,000 dollars from his family.

When the first suit was announced, a state prosecutor Mrs O.A Bajulaiye-Bishi informed the court that the prosecution was unable to serve the summons issued to the witness due to the ill health of the lead prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule.

Evans’ defence counsel, Mr Victor Okpara, in his reaction told the court that he was earlier informed of the development by the prosecutor.

“Our learned friend did communicate her predicament to me in the morning.

“However, if there is a repeat of this scenario on the next adjourned date I will have to make the necessary applications to the court,” he added

In the second criminal suit, Evans is facing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Upong over the attempted kidnap of Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors.

They face a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.

When the second suit was called, Bajulaiye-Bishi, informed the court that the witness Insp Idowu Haruna, Investigating Police Officer (IPO) who was due to continue his testimony in the trial-within-trial was unavailable.

She informed the court that the IPO was on an official assignment and that he will be “hopefully present” on the next court date.

Responding, the judge noted the slow pace of proceedings. She said that the two cases before her had commenced since 2017.

“This case (the Obianodo kidnap trial) is for the continuation of the trial-within-trial. It appears the prosecution is not ready with their witness.

“The court grants the prosecution a last chance to put its house in order.

“Both cases are adjourned until April 5 for the continuation of hearing,” she said.

Evans is also standing for kidnap before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court and Justice Adedayo Akintoye of an Igbosere High Court.

Evans is yet to open his defence in all these trials.