I Didn't Know My Son was a Billionaire - Father of Notorious Kidnapper, Evans

Father of Mr. Chukwudi Dumeme Onwuamadike aka Evans, the billionaire kidnapper, yesterday said he lived from hand to mouth despite his son’s stupendous wealth, New Telegraph has reported.

Evans’ father, Mr. Stephen Onwuamadike, said he was not aware that his son had acquired wealth through illegal means.

In an interview with New Telegraph, Evans father revealed that he sells pigs to survive. He however begged Nigerians, security agents and the Federal Government to forgive Evans. He further added that Evans was deceived by the mother. “My son is a good boy, but his mother misled him.” He said at his country home at Akammili, Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State. According to him, he got the news of his son’s arrest through a phone call, he had not been able to sleep.

According to Stephen, Evans’ real name is Chukwudumeje; a product of his failed marriage.

Stephen described Evans as a “good and loving son”. He alleged that Evans is suffering from spiritual manipulation orchestrated by his estranged wife, Evans’s mother.

Stephen, a thriving millionaire in the early 80s and a member of the popular People’s Club of Nigeria, said he lost control of Evans after his estranged wife ran away from her matrimonial home, leaving no trace.

He said: “I was devastated when I heard the news through a telephone call; since that call, I had not been able to sleep. I believe in a straight forward and honest life.

"If I noticed someone is not honest, I run away from the person.

"When my business was thriving, I did business with white people.

"I was one of the early millionaires that emerged from this town until things went wrong courtesy of my first wife in 1985. She caused me so many problems and eventually caused my financial ruins. In fact, she brought me down to where I am today.

"I’m suffering and I can barely put food on my table.”

Stephen added that he tried his best possible to train Evans by sending him to the best schools around.

He added: “My estranged wife kept interfering in his academics.


"You won’t believe that my son, Chukwudumeje (Evans) has not visited home since 2008. The last time I saw him was 10 years ago. I asked him the sort of business he was into.

"He said he was into drug trafficking. I advised him to desist because it was an illicit business and the law was against it. I told him plainly that it was better to be involved in a legitimate business and wait for God’s blessings.

"I did good business and it thrived; I was very successful. I have travelled to so many countries of the world in the course of my business,.”

Stephen noted that after the meeting with Evans, they didn’t see again until his arrest.

He added: “His mother started manipulating him when he was o

"only three years old; look at where it has got him. I don’t even have his phone number.

"I’m pleading with the Nigerian authorities to have mercy on him and give him a second chance. He was misdirected and misled by his mother. I heard about all the millions, and I said to myself, do I have such manner of rich son and the roof over my house is leaking.

"I now survive by selling pigs.” Evans’ stepbrother, Chidolie Onwuamadike, said his brother’s destruction was caused by his mother. Chidolie said he was not happy about Evans’ present situation.

He noted that if Evans had followed their father’s advice, he wouldn’t have fallen into crime.

Chidolie said: “As brothers, we don’t even interact at all. I don’t have his number and my heart is pained because he is such a loving, nice guy from the little I know of him.” Evans’ stepmother, Mrs. Etty Onwuamadike, broke down in tears.

She said: “Chukwudumeje is a nice boy when he lived with me. The only gift I gave him years back was the Holy Bible.

"I don’t want my son to die. I’m still convinced he will serve God.”

A trip to the country home of Evans showed an old palatial building that portrayed a family that lived in affluence years back. It is a big compound with a duplex building.

Another building stands by the right hand side of the gate with bold inscription ‘Onwuamadike House.’ Getting close to the main house, any visitor coming in will be greeted by the bold sticker of TB Joshua showing a family that has a strong root in religion.