Chiemeka Arinze, an accomplice of suspected billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike aka Evans, has died in prison custody.
Arinze is standing trial alongside Evans, Joseph Emeka, and Udeme Upong, over the attempted kidnap of the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors, Chief Vincent Obianodo, before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
They are facing seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.
The suspects were to appear before the court on Monday for continuation of trial.
Sources at Kirikiri Correctional Centre said that Arinze died on Friday, November 26, 2021 as a result of Cardiopulmonary arrest.
It was learnt that Arinze, who has been sick for some time, was rushed from the Kirikiri custodial Centre to a General Hospital on Friday where he later died.
The medical records from Ajeromi General Hospital, Ajegunle signed by Dr. Salisu B. E. indicated that the deceased,45, was suffering from complicated “Advanced HIV.”
Arinze in coma before death – counsel
Meanwhile, Mr Ogedi Ogu, counsel to Arinze has given more details about Arinze’s death in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State.
Addressing the court on Monday, Ogu said: “He was rushed to a hospital from Kirikiri Correctional Centre on Thursday. I visited him on Friday and he was in a coma on that day.
“I left there around 4p.m., and at about 9p.m. they called me and informed me that he had died.
“Doctors informed me that they were going to run some tests about the cause of his death; the results are going to come out on Saturday,” he said.
Responding, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo said that the court was already in possession of Arinze’s death certificate.
“The death certificate here says the cause of death is cardiopulmonary arrest and the secondary cause is HIV; It is from the Ajeromi General Hospital,” the judge said.
The judge described Arinze’s death as unfortunate.
However, he said that the trial must continue, and asked other defence counsel to adopt their written addresses on a trial-within-trial in the case.
Following adoption of the written addresses, Taiwo adjourned the case until December 17 for ruling and further hearing.
The Nation/ NAN
