Justice at Last? Claims of “Evans to Die by Hanging” Spark Buzz — Trial Still Ongoing!

Justice at Last? Claims of “Evans to Die by Hanging” Spark Buzz — Trial Still Ongoing!

Sele Media Africa
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

In recent days, social media has been ablaze with headlines declaring that notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme “Evans” Onwuamadike, popularly referred to as the “Billionaire Kidnapper,” has been sentenced to death by hanging. The viral proclamations include dramatic declarations such as “Justice at Last” and references to a leaked execution date.

However, multiple credible fact‑checking outlets have confirmed that these claims are false — Evans has not been sentenced to death, and his trial is still ongoing.

What the Rumour Claims

• Social media posts and blogs suggest that Evans was convicted and sentenced to execution by hanging.
• Some claim an execution date was set and circulated online, feeding into the narrative of “justice being served.”
• Others present the death sentence as though it’s final and irreversible, suggesting there is nothing left to appeal or overturn. What Verifiable Facts Tell Us
• According to Legit.ng, the claim that Evans has been sentenced to death is false; no court has issued such a judgment. [1]
• Africa Check also clarifies that “the trial is still in progress” and that no verdict has been passed. [2]
• Within Nigeria Media reports that at a recent court session, the case was adjourned, not concluded — a previous claim of sentencing was based on misrepresentation. [3]
• This is not the first time such rumors have surfaced — earlier versions of the same claim were debunked as clickbait originating from unreliable sources. [4]

Why the Rumour Persists

• The Kidnapping Prohibition Law (2017) in Lagos state allows for life imprisonment or death penalty in certain kidnapping cases (especially where a victim dies). This legal backdrop may make the rumor more believable to the public. [4]
• Sensational headlines and sloppy fact checking by blogs and social media accounts have repeatedly propagated the false narrative.
• People often expect swift, dramatic justice for high-profile criminals, making rumors of execution especially viral. What This Means for Media & Public Discourse
• Due process matters — a person cannot be executed until all appeals are exhausted, all legal steps are followed, and governors approve the execution (where required) under Nigerian law.
• The circulation of such false reports can mislead the public, create false hope for victims’ families, and undermine confidence in the justice system.

– Media organizations and influencers should be cautious: rumor should never replace verified facts — especially in matters of life and death

Citations:

1. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.: www.legit.ng/editorial/1445308-billionaire-kidnapper-evans-sentenced-death-by-court/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Africa Check: africacheck.org/fact-checks/meta-programme-fact-checks/no-alleged-nigerian-kidnapper-evans-onwuamadike-not?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. WITHIN NIGERIA: www.withinnigeria.com/2020/08/19/fact-check-billionaire-kidnapper-evans-was-not-sentenced-to-death-in-lagos/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. AFP Fact Check: factcheck.afp.com/false-rumour-kidnap-accuseds-death-penalty-sentence-originated-click-bait-article?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

See author's posts