Inside the Rise and Fall of Nigeria’s ‘Billionaire Kidnapper’ Evans
Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, better known as Evans, terrorised Lagos and eastern Nigeria until his arrest in 2017. Dubbed the ‘Billionaire Kidnapper,’ he amassed a fortune by holding wealthy businessmen for ransoms paid only in foreign currency. Evans evaded police for four years while leading a brutal syndicate. His victims included pharmaceutical executives, transport moguls and traders. Notable cases involve Donatus Dunu of Maydon Pharmaceuticals, who escaped after his family paid €223,000, and a $1 million ransom demand for James Uduji. Convicted of kidnapping, conspiracy and murder, Evans received multiple life terms from the Lagos High Court. He remains in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison as new charges over two slain officers move forward. Despite seeking clemency and offering to surrender assets, the state government continues to press for justice. Behind bars, Evans earned teaching credentials and now instructs fellow inmates while studying at the National Open University. His legal team argues he has reformed, but the courts remain unmoved.
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