An
online campaign with the hashtag #FreeEvans, calling for the release of
a kidnap mastermind, Chukwudidumeme Onuamadike, aka Evans, which went
viral on Saturday, has sparked outrage on the Internet, particularly on
Twitter.
The suspected criminal was arrested on June 10 at one of his houses on Magodo Estate, Lagos State.
Following
his arrest and confessions, a Twitter user with the handle @Diranaire
(Diran) had on June 12 posted a tweet, “#FreeEvans #JusticeForEvans.
Igbos are being victimised. That’s how deeply some Nigerians are
brainwashed.”
Three
days after that tweet, another Twitter handle, @TAJUDEEOLAJID, posted,
“For me, I don’t see any difference between Saraki and Evans … they’re
both hustling for dollars, please #freeEvans. If saraki can be freed I
think we should start trending #freeEvans the kidnapper.”
Similarly,
on June 16, another Twitter handle, @justemdee, said, “Now that
@BukolaSaraki is discharged and declared ‘innocent.’ We should expect
Evans, the kidnapper, to be discharged too. Please #FREEEvans.”
Expressing
shock over the Twitter campaign to free Evans, a Twitter user with the
handle @Omodayo2 wrote, “I woke up to a #FreeEvans campaign. Lord Jesus,
when are you coming back? There are more mad humans roaming the earth
now, save us.”
Another
user, @lordtannertalks, said, “Are you people asking for #freeEvans
mad? Free what? All you people pushing this #freeEvans matter, may God
punish you all for a long time.”
A
tweet by @sheysheykushey said, “I sincerely pray that the loved ones of
those behind the #FreeEvans campaign fall victim to other kidnappers
out there. This I solemnly pray.”
In
the same vein, @cicceroUNO said, “The thunder that will fire the
advocates of #FreeEvans will come like a doctor’s prescription: 2
morning, 1 afternoon and 2 in the night.”
Showing
similar indignation @PrimeBaba stated, “All the exponents of #FreeEvans
are human beings who have chosen to function by animal code simply. No
gainsaying they are all deranged!”
“Those
who are behind the #FreeEvans stuff; may kidnappers locate and kidnap
you; bunch of inhumane beings!” a Twitter user with the handle @geotaha
stated.
Then
on Saturday, another Twitter user with the handle, @CarxSan, said in a
series of tweets that drew the ire of other users, “So if you all can
look the other way when the politicians get cleared of wrongdoings and
get mad at the #FreeEvans tag, then we should do more. Insults were
enormous and my mentions were a storm but you are all missing something
important. #FreeEvans.
“Some
of you went as far as mentioning the police handles and asking for my
head. Lol #FreeEvans. First attempt at making you all mad and it
worked.”
Meanwhile,
there are indications that the police will extend their investigation
into the criminal activities of the notorious kidnap kingpin beyond the
shores of the country.
Competent
sources revealed to SUNDAY PUNCH that the police was exploring Interpol
to unravel Evans’ activities in Ghana and South Africa.
Our correspondent also gathered that the suspect would be charged with kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, and drug trafficking.
Two
houses owned by the 36-year-old in Accra, Ghana were discovered as he
also confessed to trafficking drugs during his stay in South Africa in
2007.
Evans,
who was arrested in his mansion on Magodo Estate, Lagos, on June 10,
had also told journalists how he had linked up with different gangs to
hijack three bullion vans in Abia and Enugu states, carting away N200m
in one of the operations.
Six
of his gang members, Nwosu Chukwuma, aka Sudo, 42; Suoyo Paul aka
Nwana, 42; Felix Chinemerem, 36; Chukwuemeka Bosah, 28; Uchechukwu
Amadi; and Ogechi Amadi, were also paraded.
A
senior police officer hinted to our correspondent on Saturday that
investigators would soon visit South Africa and Ghana to conduct further
investigations into the case.
The
source said, “There are some investigations that will be done in Ghana
concerning his criminal activities. The police have also contacted South
Africa to assist in tracing his property, and detectives are going
there soon for further investigations. We are working with Interpol.”
When
asked if the police was looking at the possibility of Evans working for
some more powerful criminals, a top security source said, “The suspect
is a criminal empire. Evans is the chairman. He does not have any
sponsor and nobody is giving him any backup. This is a man who does not
interact with people.”
Attempts
to get the comments of the Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood
Jimoh, on the case were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls made
to his mobile phone. He also had yet to reply to a text message sent to
him as of press time.
Punch
0 Comments