Ataga ‘murder’: Illegible statements stall Chidinma’s trial

Illegible statements served on the defense counsels in the Usifo Ataga murder case have stalled the trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, the suspect.

According to NAN, a sitting was held on the murder of Ataga, the late Super TV CEO, on Tuesday at the Lagos high court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

At the sitting, the defence counsels complained that the statements contained in the proof of evidence served on them were all illegible and that the audio interviews of the defendants were also inaudible.

They stated that the defendants had a right to clearer statements and audible video interviews as it would enable them to prepare their defence adequately.

Yetunde Adesanya, the judge, 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 defense counsels before the end of the day.

Adesanya further adjourned the matter to November 11, 15, 16, 17, 26 and 30 for trial.

Chidinma, who earlier confessed to the murder of Ataga, pleaded not guilty.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) alumnus and two other defendants were arraigned on October 12 on a nine-count charge brought against them by the Lagos government.

Chidinma and Adedapo Quadri, the first two defendants, are facing the first eight counts bordering on conspiracy, murder, stabbing, forgery, making of bank statements, and stealing.

The third defendant, who is Chioma Egbuchu, Chidinma’s sister, is facing the ninth count charge of stealing an iPhone 7 belonging to the deceased.

In the charge, the defendants were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves to murder Ataga on June 15, 2021, by stabbing him severally with a knife on his neck and chest.

The incident took place at No. 19 Adewale Oshin street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

They were also accused of committing forgery by procuring and making bank account statements purported to have been made by the deceased.

The duo were alleged to have forged the account statement of one Mary from June 1, 2021, an international passport, and a driver’s license in Chidinma’s name.

In count eight, Chidinma was accused of stealing two iPhones; an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 11, one Apple MacBook Laptop, and ATM cards belonging to the Ataga from which the sum of N380,000 was subsequently withdrawn.

It was also alleged that, on June 22, Chioma was found in possession of a stolen iPhone 7, property of Ataga.