The absence of a lawyer for Chidinma Ojukwu, the alleged murderer of the media entrepreneur Usifo Ataga, in court, has stalled the trial. 

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Chidinma is facing trial alongside Chioma Egbuchu, her sister, and one Adedapo Quadri in Lagos.

They are charged with nine counts of murder, stealing, and forgery.

Chidinma and Quadri are alleged to have conspired and murdered Ataga, the Super TV CEO, on June 15, 2021.

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Hearing of the case resumed on Tuesday at the Lagos high court sitting in the Tafawa Balewa Square.

During the session, Adenike Oluwafemi, the deputy director of public prosecutions, told the court that she got a message from Onwuka Egwu, Ojukwu’s lawyer, that he was ill.

The prosecutor further said Egwu informed her that his junior colleagues would also not be available in the court due to other engagements.

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In her ruling, Yetunde Adesanya, the presiding judge, adjourned the case till June 8 for the continuation of trial.

Chidinma had initially admitted to killing Ataga.

But the defendant later made a U-turn, arguing that the statements where she confessed were gotten under duress.

Chidima alleged that she was slapped and forced to sign statements she didn’t voluntarily make.

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At the last court sitting on May 4, the court dismissed her claim that she was forced to confess guilt in her police statements.



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