Chidinma Ojukwu denies discussing Super TV CEO’s death with co-defendant during trial

Chidinma Ojukwu, the former University of Lagos student accused of killing Super TV CEO, Michael Ataga, has denied ever discussing his death with her co-defendant, Adedapo Quadri.

Ojukwu, who is facing trial before a Lagos High Court, made the statement on Monday, October 27, during cross-examination by Quadri’s counsel, Babatunde Busari. The lawyer sought to determine his client’s level of involvement in the case.

The 25-year-old former Mass Communication student, alongside Quadri, faces an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, and stabbing. A third defendant, Chioma Egbuchu, is also standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing Ataga’s iPhone 7.

Taking the stand, Ojukwu insisted that her interactions with Quadri were strictly limited to drug-related transactions and the production of her school identification card.

“I never had any discussion with Adedapo Quadri about the death of Ataga,” she told the court. “The only dealings we had were for the supply of Loud [cannabis] and Rohypnol, and he helped me produce my school ID card.”

She maintained that Quadri had no knowledge of what transpired between her and Ataga at the Lekki apartment where the CEO was found dead and that he never visited her there. Ojukwu said she only contacted Quadri after Ataga mentioned he had just one stick of Loud left.

Ojukwu also admitted taking a brown envelope from the apartment, claiming it contained personal documents belonging to the deceased, including his driver’s licence, ID card, office complimentary cards, and bank statements. She told the court she had informed the police that she took the envelope home by mistake.

Earlier in the hearing, Justice Yetunde Adesanya ruled that several letters submitted by Ojukwu’s counsel, Onwuka Egwu, requesting the production of specific items, were admissible as evidence. Following the ruling, Ojukwu identified several electronic devices, including an iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone X, and a silver 2019 MacBook Pro, noting that the MacBook had been sold to a vendor.

The prosecution alleges that Ojukwu and Quadri conspired to murder Ataga on June 15, 2021, by stabbing him multiple times in the neck and chest at a short-let apartment in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

The trial was adjourned until November 6 for continuation of proceedings.