Chidinma Ojukwu’s trial for alleged murder of Usifo Ataga set to resume in October

The Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square will resume the trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, accused of murdering Super TV CEO Michael Usifo Ataga, on October 15, 2024.

Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student at the University of Lagos, is being prosecuted alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri. They were arraigned by the Lagos State Government on October 12, 2021.

Ojukwu and Quadri face charges ranging from conspiracy to murder and stabbing, while Egbuchu is charged with stealing an iPhone 7 belonging to the deceased Ataga. It is alleged that Ojukwu and Quadri conspired and murdered Ataga on June 15, 2021, by repeatedly stabbing him in the neck and chest at a location on Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Before the ongoing court recess, the prosecution had called 11 witnesses. Among them was Dr. Richard Somiari, a forensic expert who testified that the DNA blood sample found on Chidinma’s red dress matched that of the victim, Ataga. Somiari, who serves as a director and consultant at the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, provided evidence under the guidance of the Lagos State Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi.

Somiari testified that he had received 21 different items for analysis, including a stained red dress and a green T-shirt, as well as DNA samples from Chidinma Ojukwu. He explained that the goal was to establish an evidence triangle linking the suspect to the crime scene and the victim. The DNA on the red dress matched that of Ataga but did not match samples from Chidinma, Babalola Disu, or Oluwatomi Dada, other individuals linked to the case.

During cross-examination by the defense counsel, Somiari discussed the procedures and results of the forensic tests. The court also granted a request to play a video of the crime scene, during which the witness was questioned about the testing of various blood samples. Somiari confirmed that some samples were not submitted for testing.

The trial will continue on November 6, 2024, with further examination of evidence and witnesses.