A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja was told on Thursday that a prosecution witness, Inspector Idowu Haruna, who was scheduled to testify against an alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, was involved in an accident, a Punch Metro report has shown.
The witness, attached to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team, was billed to continue his evidence against Evans and his gang members for allegedly shooting the Young Shall Grow Motors Chairman, Obianuju Vincent, killing two of his escorts.
Onwuamadike is standing trial along with Joseph Emeka, 29; Chiemeka Arinze, 39; and Udeme Upong, 43, on seven counts of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap, and sale and transfer of firearms.
At the Thursday proceedings, the state prosecutor, Adebayo Haroun, told Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo that the policeman was absent as a result of the accident.
He said, “My lord, our first prosecution witness is not present in court today. He is not in court because he had an accident.
“He sent me an SMS saying that he was involved in an accident and therefore cannot make it for today’s proceedings. We craved the indulgence of the court for another date for trial.”
However, the witness had, during the last proceeding, told the court that Evans shot the YSG chairman in his right arm in an attempt to kidnap him.
Haruna had said the YSG chairman was returning from a game house with his convoy when he was attacked by armed men, led by Evans on August 27, 2013, in Third Avenue FESTAC Town.
Justice Taiwo adjourned the matter till February 6, 2019, for continuation of trial.
In a related development, the court also adjourned till February 6 for adoption of written addresses a trial-within-trial involving Evans and his co-defendant, Victor Aduba, accused of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.