The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, the University of Lagos student accused of murdering Super TV Chief Executive Officer Michael Usifo Ataga, will resume on October 15, 2024, at the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square.
Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student, is being tried alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and Adedapo Quadri. The trio was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on October 12, 2021.
Ojukwu and Quadri face multiple charges, including conspiracy, murder, and stabbing, while Egbuchu is charged with stealing Ataga’s iPhone 7. The prosecution alleges that Ojukwu and Quadri conspired to murder Ataga on June 15, 2021, stabbing him several times in the neck and chest at a residence in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Before the court’s current recess, 11 witnesses had testified, including forensic expert Dr. Richard Somiari. Somiari, a director at the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, revealed that the DNA found on Ojukwu’s red dress matched Ataga’s blood.
During cross-examination, Somiari explained that his analysis involved 21 items, including clothing and biological samples, to establish a connection between the crime scene, the victim, and the suspects. He confirmed that the DNA on the red dress belonged to Ataga, while samples from other suspects did not match.
The defense counsels extensively questioned the forensic process, including the handling of toxicology reports and the testing of evidence from the crime scene. A video of the crime scene was also played in court, but Somiari noted that not all submitted samples were tested.
The trial will continue on October 15, 2024, as the court reviews further evidence and witness testimonies.
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