COURT ORDERS RELEASE OF EXHIBITS TO CHIDINMA OJUKWU’S COUNSEL AS DEFENCE COMMENCES

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

‎The Lagos State High Court sitting at TBS has ordered the release of exhibits to the defence team of Chidinma Ojukwu as she begins her defence in the ongoing trial over the alleged murder of Michael Usifo Ataga, Chief Executive Officer of Super TV.

‎The ruling follows an application filed in April 2025 by the first defendant’s counsel, seeking access to exhibits previously released on bond to the nominal complainant by the prosecution.

Chidinma Ojukwu is standing trial alongside two others on charges bordering on alleged murder, conspiracy, and stealing in connection with Ataga’s death.

Lead defence counsel Onwuka Egwu told the court that the team required access to specific exhibits, including mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards belonging to both the deceased and the defendants, to prepare their case.

The requested items include an iPhone 11 Pro (black), iPhone XS (gold), iPhone 7 Plus, a 2019 MacBook Pro (silver), an HP laptop, and two 9Mobile SIM cards belonging to the first defendant. Items belonging to the deceased include an iPhone 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and a MacBook Pro 13.

When the matter came up on Monday, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, ruled that not all the items in the listed in the motion by the Defence were in evidence or contained in the proof of evidence but emphasized that every accused person has the right to access relevant exhibits to prepare their defence.

Following the ruling, prosecution counsel Yusuf Sule, handed over three items an iPhone 7, an iPhone 11, and an apple laptop to the court for release to the defence team.

Only Chioma Egbuchu, the third defendant, was present in court, while Chidinma Ojukwu and Adedapo Quadri were absent due to the planned nationwide protest.

Babatunde Busari represented the second defendant, while O.J. Jiakpona appeared for the third defendant.

The court adjourned the case to October 27, November 6, 11, and 12, 2025, for continuation of trial.

The trial, which began in 2021 following the discovery of Ataga’s body in a hotel room where he allegedly lodged with Chidinma, has seen the prosecution close its case.

The matter has now entered the defence stage, where the defendants will seek to prove their innocence.