Chiemeka Arinze, a co-defendant with alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans, has died in custody.
The defendant, who was said to have been sick, was reportedly rushed from prison to a general hospital but died.
Until his death, the defendant was staying trial for a seven-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kindap, sale and transfer of firearms.
He was being tried alongside Evans, Joseph Emeka, and Udeme Upong before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
Vanguard reported, quoting a source that preferred anonymity, that the kidnap suspect died on Friday, November 26, 2021, although his case was due in court Monday.
The defendant’s counsel was said to have filed an application for bail last week on account of ill-health.
The bail application was set for determination today before the court when the news broke.