In a compelling testimony, Chidinma Ojukwu, the primary suspect in the murder of Super TV CEO Michael Ataga, detailed the grim moment she found his lifeless body in a Lekki short-let apartment on June 15, 2021. The account was presented during a session at the Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square.
Ojukwu, a former third-year Mass Communication student at the University of Lagos, is currently on trial alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri, all implicated in Ataga’s murder. The trio was officially charged by the Lagos State Government on October 12, 2021.
Facing eight counts related to conspiracy, murder, and stabbing, Ojukwu and Quadri are in the dock, while Egbuchu is charged with the ninth count concerning the theft of an iPhone 7 belonging to the deceased.
During the resumed trial, Ojukwu presented her defense in front of Justice Yetunde Adesanya, with her lawyer, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, leading her through the testimony. She recounted her relationship with Ataga, which began in November 2020 through a mutual friend, Fiyin, who was involved with Ataga’s associate, James.
Ojukwu characterized Ataga as generous and supportive, noting that he had previously funded her education and assisted her cosmetics business. She mentioned that Ataga claimed to be from Edo State, resided in Victoria Garden City (VGC), and worked in the media sector. Additionally, she revealed that Ataga had three children with his estranged wife, who lived in Abuja.
On June 13, 2021, Ojukwu recounted that Ataga reached out to her to invite her to celebrate his birthday later that week before heading to Abuja for a family gathering. Due to renovations at his VGC residence, he suggested renting an apartment in Lekki for their time together.
“I eventually secured a short-let apartment at 19 Adewale St., off Ologolo Road, Lekki, which Ataga approved. We met there that evening, dined at Ango Villa restaurant, picked up wine, and returned to the apartment to eat, drink, and smoke,” she explained.
Ojukwu elaborated on their activities on June 14, 2021, detailing their late wake-up and Ataga’s request for narcotics. He transferred N15,000 to her for this purpose and provided her with an additional N25,000 for meals. After a lengthy two-hour delay in procuring food due to COVID-related issues, she returned to the apartment on June 15, 2021.
On that day, she stated that Ataga again asked for more narcotics, requesting her to cover the cost as he was unable to transfer funds. He also provided her with money for food and juice.
“After struggling to contact him regarding an issue with the okro soup I had gone to buy, I returned to the apartment only to find him dead,” she recounted. “I noticed blood stains, pushed the door open, and saw Michael on the floor, covered in blood. I checked for a pulse, but there was none.”
In a state of panic, Ojukwu admitted to wiping the blood off her body, changing her clothes, and collecting her belongings, including a brown envelope containing Ataga’s bank statements, identification cards, and documents belonging to a Mary Johnson. She also took some jewelry before leaving the apartment in a cab.
Following her testimony, the court has adjourned the case until April 28 for the continuation of the trial.
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