November 09, (THEWILL) – The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, who is alleged to have murdered Super TV’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Ataga, was stalled on Tuesday at the Lagos State High Court, sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square Annex.
At the last sitting in October, Miss Ojukwu, her co-accused Adebayo Quadri and one Chioma Egbuchu pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge before Justice Yetunde Adesanya.
The case was adjourned to November 9 for the prosecution led by the Director of Public Prosecution from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Olayinka Adeyemi to open its case against the accused persons.
On Tuesday, Mrs Adeyemi told the judge that two witnesses were present in court. But, counsel for the second defendant, Babatunde Busari told the court that the copy of the proof of evidence on the case supplied to him by the prosecution was not legible and that a video clip which formed part of the proof of evidence was also not audible.
He said the defendants had a right to clearer statements and audible video interviews as it would enable them prepare their defence adequately.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya, in her ruling, directed the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to provide clearer statements and audible copies of the interviews to all the defence counsels before the end of the day.
Adesanya further adjourned the hearing on the case to Nov. 11, 15, 16, 17, 26 and 30 for continuation of trial.
Friends and associates of the deceased were also in court to observe the proceedings. One of them, Donald Oleah told newsmen that they hoped justice will be served in the matter and vowed to follow the case through, no matter how long it takes.
The first two defendants, Chidinma Ojukwu and Adedapo Quadri are are alleged to have conspired to murder the Super TV boss on June 15, 2021, at 19, Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, by stabbing him repeatedly with a knife in his neck and chest.
They were arraigned on eight counts bordering on murder, forgery and stealing.
The duo was also accused of committing forgery by procuring and making bank account statements purported to have been made by the deceased.
They were also alleged to have forged United Bank of Africa account statement of one Mary from June 1, 2021, an international passport and a driver’s license in Chidinma’s name
The third defendant, who is one of Chidinma’s relatives, Chioma Egbuchu, was also arraigned for being in possession of the late Mr Ataga’s stolen iPhone 7, which was said to have been recovered from her.
According to the prosecution, the offences are punishable under Sections 222, 233, 280, 329, 365, 370, and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
