Ataga’s murder: Witness’ lack of composure stalls Chidinma’s trial

The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, the suspect in the murder of Usifo Ataga, the late Super TV CEO, has been stalled over lack of composure on the part of the prosecution witness. 

Ojukwu, a 300-level student of mass communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), is standing trial in the murder case alongside Chioma Egbuchu, her sister, and one Adedapo Quadri.

The trial continued on Monday at the Lagos state high court.

According to NAN, Yusuf Sule, the state’s counsel, told the court that the fourth prosecution witness arrived at the court from Asaba in the morning and was not composed to testify.

“We will be asking for an adjournment till tomorrow, Nov. 30, to enable the witness to settle down,” he said.

Onwuka Egwu, Chidinma’s counsel, did not object to the application.

Babatunde Busari, Quadri’s lawyer, also did not oppose the application but said that the prosecution should have called other witnesses.

On his part, O.A. Ogunsanya, Egbuchu’s counsel, said the adjournment would be in the interest of justice.

After reviewing the prosecution’s application, Yetunde Adesanya, the judge, adjourned the case until Tuesday for the continuation of trial.

Chidinma, Egbuchu and Quadri were arraigned on October 12 on a nine-count charge preferred by Lagos state.

Chidinma and Quadri are facing the first to eight counts of the charge which border on conspiracy, murder, stabbing, forgery, making of bank statements, and stealing.

Egbuchu, on the other hand, is facing the ninth count which is stealing of iPhone 7 belonging to Ataga.