Let's Talk About Evans!

News about the recent arrest of kidnap kingpin identified as  Chukwudumeje Onwuamadike, popularly known as 'Evans', at his home, in Fred Shoboyejo street, Magodo Phase 2 GRA, Lagos - Nigeria; and his cohorts, has set the Nigerian Media, as well as International mainstream agog. This owes to how news of his exploits overshadowed other stories.

Since his arrest, Evans reportedly revealed information about his gang's heinous activities- from their kidnap dens, how he selects his victims, trailed and kidnapped them, and what ransoms to demand from each victim. Interestingly, some of these victims have stepped forward to identify the kidnapper, even recounted their ordeal while in his den. Evans Father, Step-mother, mother, sister, wife, mistresses and some other family members, equally gave their statements and granted interviews. No week passed by without a new turn to the 'Evans-kidnap story'. The media, staying true to its responsibility, keeps the public informed as events unfolds. 

A Nigerian based Daily newspaper, Vanguard, reports: "Evans might be flown to Force Headquarters, Abuja, to meet with the Police hierarchy for thorough interrogation over his criminal activities. Already, efforts were been made to prepare him for the meeting, which sources said could include meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. Detectives attached to the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, of the IGP’s special squad, are still taking the kidnap kingpin to places in Lagos, and environs with a view of identifying all the houses he used as cells, during his escapades". 

The arrested 'Kidnap Kingpin's story is highly celebrated. Media organizations make a field-day, trying to beat each other to publications of the latest turn of events. Security operatives seems more interested in being identified with Evans arrest. Everyone wants a piece of the action. Evans, the man in the middle of it all, seems to relish this situation.

That being said, there abound questions that need answers. For instance, at the initial stage, news made rounds about Evans disclosing members of his network, and how the Police planned to make more shocking arrests. The public anxiously awaits these arrests. Also, one of the kidnap victims, narrated that a doctor was called to treat his 'gun-shot' wounds whiles in the kidnap den. Has this doctor being identified, if not what is keeping the Police from revealing his identity and making arrests.

Of more importance would be the big question: when will Evans and his gang be charged to court, convicted and sentenced for their crimes? The chances of this story going cold, while the accused is detained for a very long time, is high; a development that can further risk the lives of victims who already testified, and raised alarm for the security of well meaning citizens.  

The Evans kidnap case will to a large extent determine the level of Nigeria's Criminal Justice System, as it continues to generate interests from stake holders within and outside the country.