Chidinma Ojukwu, the former University of Lagos student accused of murdering Super TV CEO Michael Ataga, told a Lagos High Court on Monday, October 27, that she never discussed Ataga’s death with her co-defendant, Adedapo Quadri.
Ojukwu, a former Mass Communication student, made the statement during cross-examination by Quadri’s counsel, Mr. Babatunde Busari, who sought to clarify his client’s role in the incident.
Ojukwu and Quadri are facing an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, and stabbing, while a third defendant, Chioma Egbuchu, is being tried on a separate count of stealing Ataga’s iPhone 7.
During the resumed hearing, Ojukwu testified that her only dealings with Quadri were related to drug supply and the production of her school identity card.
“I never had any discussion with Adedapo Quadri about Ataga’s death,” she said. “Our transactions were limited to the supply of Loud [a strain of cannabis] and Rohypnol. He also helped me produce my school ID card.”
She insisted that Quadri had no knowledge of what transpired between her and Ataga at the apartment, adding that he never visited her there. According to her, she only contacted Quadri for drug supply after Ataga mentioned he was almost out of Loud.
Ojukwu also admitted to taking a brown envelope from the apartment when she left, explaining that it contained Ataga’s personal documents.
“I took the brown envelope when I was leaving,” she said. “It contained Ataga’s driver’s licence, ID card, office complimentary cards, a driver’s licence and international passport belonging to one Mary Johnson, as well as Access Bank and UBA account statements.” She told the court she informed the police that she took the envelope home by mistake.
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Yetunde Adesanya admitted into evidence several letters submitted by Ojukwu’s counsel, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, requesting the production of specific items.
Following the ruling, Egwu tendered multiple electronic devices through Ojukwu, who identified them as an iPhone 7 Plus belonging to her sister, and an iPhone 11 Pro, an iPhone X, and a silver 2019 MacBook Pro, which she confirmed she had sold to a vendor.
Prosecutors allege that Ojukwu and Quadri conspired to kill Ataga on June 15, 2021, by stabbing him multiple times in the neck and chest at a residence in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The trial was adjourned until November 6 for continuation.
0 Comments