Evans’ co-defendant dies in custody

Chiemeka Arinze, one of the co-defendants in the alleged kidnap trial of Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, has died in the custody of correctional services.  The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Arinze was charged alongside Evans, Joseph Emeka, and Udeme Upong, with the attempted kidnap of Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young […]

Chiemeka Arinze, one of the co-defendants in the alleged kidnap trial of Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, has died in the custody of correctional services.

 The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Arinze was charged alongside Evans, Joseph Emeka, and Udeme Upong, with the attempted kidnap of Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors.

They were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

They were also charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.

According to his death certificate obtained by NAN yesterday, Arinze passed away at 9.08pm on Nov. 26 as a result of cardiopulmonary arrest.

The death certificate which was issued by Ajeromi General Hospital Ajegunle, signed by Dr B.E. Salisu, indicated that the deceased who died at the age of 45 was also suffering from complicated advanced HIV.

 According to officials of the correctional facility who spoke under anonymity, Arinze, who was battling ill health, was rushed from the hospital of the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre to a General Hospital on Friday where he passed away.

 As at the time of filing this report, the counsel to Arinze, Mr Ogedi Ogu, was in court for the hearing of the kidnap case which was slated for hearing.

 He disclosed to NAN that he intended to inform the court of Arinze’s demise and apply to withdraw from the case. (NAN)