A witness on Friday told an Ikeja High Court that suspected kidnap Kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, known as Evans, was paid 223,000 Euros to secure the release of his victim, Donatus Duru.

Anselem Duru, elder brother of Donatus Duru said his brother spent 4 months in Evans’ custody when he was kidnapped in February this year.

He said the kidnappers demanded 100 million Euros and failed to release his brother after collecting ransom.

He told Justice Hakeem Oshodi that the kidnappers demanded the money in Euros.

The State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Titilayo Shitta-Bay, who led the state prosecution team, asked Anselem if he recognised the defendants in the dock.

The witness said he recognised the fourth defendant, Nwachukwu, whom he had always known, and Evans, who he said he met later in the course of investigation by the police.

“When I picked the call, it was Donatus’ agitated voice that I heard. He was pleading that the family should immediately go and withdraw all the funds in his bank account and deliver same to the kidnappers to prevent them from taking his life.

“Donatus told me the kidnappers insisted on a ransom of €1m, but the family could only raise N100 million, which was converted to €223,000 and delivered to them.”

According to him, one Uchenna Okafor took the money already packed in cellophane bags in a Honda car and headed towards Oshodi at about 7.45 pm on the agreed date and as instructed by the kidnappers.

Anselem said Okafor did not return until about 11 pm on the said date, adding that it was not until about two weeks after then that he got the news of Donatus’ release.

He said when Donatus was released, “he looked terribly emaciated. He had not shaved for a long time and he looked just like the early man.”

Justice Oshodi adjourned till November 17 for Anselem’s cross-examination by the defence.

Azeez