An Igbosere High Court, Lagos on Wednesday gave suspected billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans till May 17 to get a counsel to defend the criminal charges against him.
Justice Adedayo Akintoye told Evans, whose case has suffered three adjournments following his failure to secure legal representation he had only three options.
He could defend himself, get a new counsel or the court would appoint a legal aid counsel for him, the court said.
The judge gave the warning following the third consecutive absence of Evans’ counsel, Chino Obiagwu (SAN).
At the last sitting on March 1, Obiagwu did not make an appearance but sent a letter informing Justice Adedayo Akintoye of his absence.
No member of Evans’ legal team, including Olanrewaju Ajanaku, was present.
Acknowledging his letter, the judge adjourned till next Wednesday for address by counsel for trial within trial.
Wednesday’s adjournment, the third consecutively, followed that of January 31, foisted on the court by the non-appearance of another defence counsel, Emmanuel Ochai, and that of March 1.
Evans is standing trial alongside 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.