Chidinma Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student at the University of Lagos, is accused of murdering Michael Ataga, the CEO of Super TV, in June 2021. The incident, which has garnered significant public and media attention, led to her arrest alongside co-defendants Adedapo Quadri and her sister, Chioma Egbuchu. They face a nine-count charge that includes murder, theft, and forgery, as reported in various news outlets covering the trial.
The trial, presided over by Justice Yetunde Adesanya at the Tafawa Balewa Square division of the Lagos State High Court, resumed with Chidinma presenting her defense starting April 17, 2025. Her testimony on April 29, 2025, marks a critical phase, offering insights into her version of events and her rationale for not reporting the incident.
During her testimony, Chidinma explained her reluctance to report Ataga’s death to the police, stating it stemmed from fear of being wrongly accused. She referenced previous reports of individuals being blamed after reporting crimes, a concern that influenced her decision. She also admitted to considering alerting the apartment’s gateman, Abu, but ended the call due to anxiety, highlighting her emotional state during the incident.
Chidinma detailed the events of June 2021, noting that after finding Ataga motionless in a pool of blood, she noticed his WhatsApp account remained active. This led her to suspect someone else might have had access to his phone, as repeated phone attempts failed. She contacted Abu, who initially claimed Ataga had left the premises, but later confirmed Ataga’s vehicle was still parked, adding to the confusion.
In her testimony, she shared a message she sent to Ataga, apologizing and asking for forgiveness, stating, “I didn’t mean to leave you in that state. I was very scared.” Following this, she was blocked from his number, further complicating her situation. This detail underscores her attempt to communicate and the subsequent isolation she experienced.
Chidinma also recounted her actions following the incident, stating she took two laptops—an HP and a MacBook—to Computer Village on June 18, 2021. She claimed one was for repair and the other, the MacBook, was a gift, which she sold for ₦495,000 after negotiation. This sale, detailed in her testimony, is significant as it relates to the theft charges against her. Additionally, on June 20, she contacted her sister Chioma, who arrived in Lagos on June 22. Given Chioma had lost her phone in April, Chidinma provided her with an old iPhone 7 Plus, a detail that ties into the charges against Chioma for allegedly receiving stolen property.
The trial involves not only Chidinma but also Adedapo Quadri and Chioma Egbuchu, each facing varying charges. Chidinma and Quadri are charged with conspiracy, murder, stabbing, stealing, and forgery, while Chioma faces an additional count of receiving stolen property, specifically Ataga’s iPhone 7. The court’s proceedings, including forensic evidence like DNA matching Ataga’s blood on Chidinma’s red dress, have been pivotal, as noted in earlier hearings ([Chidinma Ojukwu trial: Blood on top former Unilag student red dress match Usifo Ataga DNA sample – court hear.
Recent updates indicate the court has ordered Chidinma’s co-defendants to open their defense, with the case adjourned to February 20, 2025, for further proceedings, showing the trial’s ongoing nature ([Lagos High Court Orders Chidinma Ojukwu’s Co-Defendants to Open Defense. This context is crucial for understanding the broader legal framework surrounding Chidinma’s testimony.
The case has drawn significant attention, with Nigerians expressing discontent over court outcomes on social media, as noted in news coverage. Chidinma’s testimony, particularly her explanation of fear and actions post-incident, adds layers to the defense strategy, potentially influencing public perception and legal arguments. Her graduation from a pre-release empowerment program at Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre in October 2024 also highlights her activities while awaiting trial, adding to the case’s complexity.
Chidinma Ojukwu’s testimony on April 29, 2025, provides critical insights into her perspective on the alleged murder of Michael Ataga, emphasizing fear as a barrier to reporting and detailing her actions post-incident.
