The Lagos
State Government has amended the charges it filed against Evans and the five
others.
The Director
of Public Prosecution, DPP Lagos State, Titilayo Shitta-Bey told Justice Hakeem
Oshodi that the amendment relates only to the punishment section for the second
charge.
The DPP also
submitted that there is no material change in the nature of the offence which
still remains conspiracy and the kidnap of one Dunu Donatus.
She urged
the court to allow the defendants take fresh pleas to the amended two count
charges.
Counsel to
Evans, Olukoya Ogungbeje has opposed the move for fresh pleas.
He told the
judge that he had only just been served in court this morning with the amended
charge and he needed time to confer with his client.
He then
asked the court to grant him a short adjournment so he could get a proper brief
from his clients on how to proceed.
The other
defence counsel except for the counsel for the 4th defendant aligned with his
submission. The 4th defence counsel, Mr Olanrewaju Ajanaku told the court that
he was ready to proceed as there was no material change in the charges.
After listening
to all the lawyers, Justice Oshodi declined to grant an adjournment but instead
opted to stand down the case for 45mins to enable the lawyers to confer with
their clients.
The court
has adjourned till 11.45am.
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