The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has dismissed an appeal filed by suspected k*dnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, challenging the seizure of his 25 trucks by the Nigerian Police.
Three justices of the court dismissed Evans’ appeal for lacking in merit when the matter came up on Thursday, August 12.
Reading the lead judgment, Justice Joseph Ikyegh, held that the search warrant issued and executed in line with Section 144 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of Nigeria, 2015 empowered the police to recover the trucks.
The judge also held that Section 153 of the Administration of Criminal Justice of Nigeria 2015, permits the police to retain proceeds of crime until the case is disposed of.
Justice Ikyegh also held that since the trial was still pending, the word ‘confiscate’ as used by Evans’ counsel was not appropriate in this circumstance.
Consequently, he upheld the decision of Justice Hadiza Rabiu-Shagari of Federal High Court and dismissed Evans’ appeal for lacking in merit.
