OPINION: Evans’ Law Suit And Our Misconception Of The Justice System

By Izuchukwu Okafor

The apprehension of Chukumdubem Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans was initially accompanied with jubilation and pomp by security agencies and when news trickled down that the notorious kidnapper was not only nefarious and malevolent but also a billionaire, everyone else paid rapt attention.

The story of how an underworld kingpin stole his way to opulence while cohabiting normally within society was all so disturbing but at the same time intriguing to listen to. He appeared like the everyday neighbor but this man was confessing to evils even diabolical minds couldn’t comprehend. Days and week followed, the media consistently propped up news and revelations (both confirmed and unconfirmed) on a daily basis, and like a baby being fed with breast milk, it was all we concentrated on while popping up conspiracies upon conspiracies.

Alas! some days back, like a mystery-thriller movie with butt-tightening twists, we were dished with the news that the infamous Evans has sued the Nigerian police force. In typical and recurring fashion, not so long after, the conspiracy theorists swung to put up all sorts of ideas and comments on social media space brazenly displaying the increased lack of confidence we have in the justice system and for many more that didn’t even bother to read or understand what he was suing for, questioned the powers behind the development. Some reduced it to politics, others ethnic and for some others, an insidious police conspiracy that rose to high echelons.

One big takeaway from this development is the revealing aspect of the psyche of Nigerians to the justice system- their disturbing lack of trust in it- and the culture of mob action, both physically and mentally on yet-to-be convicted suspects which is a social vice we would have to continually repudiate if we are to have a more civil, developed and progressive society.

Don’t get me wrong. With the confessions (confirmed and unconfirmed) Evans has made, the report of his atrocities and pain he has caused his victims, he deserves to be tried to the full extent of the law. But more importantly he has to go through a process and as his rights allow, he has the right to an attorney and the right to sue whomever he chooses till he is convicted. Failure to understand this simple process might have great repercussions in future proceedings.

As a people, we have to understand that the process laid out as guidelines in our luminary process are there for a reason- to organize and civilize society- and must be followed accordingly. The perception out there is that Evans has no right to an attorney, due to his disturbing CV of evil and criminal actions and therefore has no reason to even bother to demand his day in court. This is a worrying mentality and for a country where the federal government has continually disregarded the rulings of the court, it sends the wrong signals to society and the young ones listening.

Little wonder our now famous or infamous (depending on your view) IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu has joined the trend of his “oppressor” by openly disregarding the rulings and conditions of his bail acceptance. The courts are there for a reason, a purpose and we have to fully utilize it’s abilities in dealing with issues- while also allowing it’s process to determine its judgments.

What I hope for, and what other Nigerians should be concerned with, is the police and prosecuting authorities getting mired and caught up in the media frenzy and forgetting to build a solid case against Evans that will put him away for good and serve as a deterrent to others of the underworld.

With the alleged multiple confessions and revelations of his activities, there should be more than enough proof for the authorities and state prosecutors to work with in prosecuting his case and getting the desired justice that the society craves.

The argument here is all that is done, should be done within the ambiance of the law and we should understand that him seeking redress in court is not out of the ordinary, but enshrined in his rights. Social media isn’t a constituted Judicial ruling body and even if we all want Evans getting served with huge doughs of Justice, it must be done within the confines of the law, else we become that which we condemn.

Izuchukwu Okafor tweets @lohs_21

Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Oriental Times