The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu and Adedapo Quadri, who are the two key murder suspects of the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Micheal Usifo Ataga, commenced before a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square.
The two were formally arraigned and their pleas were taken. Chidinma pleaded not guilty.
The second defendant, Adedapo Quadri, initially pleaded guilty to the first count charge but was quickly corrected by two counsel to plead not guilty to the charge.
The two defendants are facing an eight-count charge of conspiracy, murder, stabbing, forgery, making of bank statements and stealing.
While the first defendant’s sister Chioma Egbuchu, is facing the ninth count charge of stealing iPhone 7, belonging to the late Ataga.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution DPP, Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, told the court that the defendants conspired amongst themselves and allegedly murdered the deceased on June 15, 2021.
She said that the incident took place at 19, Adewale Oshin Street, in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The DPP said that Ojukwu and the second defendant, allegedly killed the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga, by stabbing him severally with a knife on his neck and chest.
Adeyemi said that the duo also allegedly conspired to commit forgery, by procuring and making Access and UBA Bank account statements purported to have been made by the deceased.
The duo were also alleged to have forged United Bank account statement of one Mary, from June 1, 2021.
The prosecutor further accused Ojukwu and Quadri of allegedly forging an international passport and a driver’s license in Chidinma’s name.
In count eight, Chidinma was accused of stealing two iPhones, an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 11, one Apple MacBook Laptop and ATM cards of Access and GT Banks belonging to the late Usifo Ataga from which the sum of N380,000 was subsequently withdrawn.
The prosecution also said that on June 22, 2021, Chidinma’s sister, Chioma Egbuchu was found in possession of a stolen iPhone 7, property, of the late Usifo Ataga.
According to the prosecution, the offences committed are punishable under Sections 411, 233, 365 (2) b, 280, 329, of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.
Earlier, Mr O. Egwu, announced his appearance for the first defendant, while Mr Babatunde Busari, announced his appearance for the second defendant and the Director, Office of the Public Defender, Dr Babajide Martins appeared for the third defendant.
The case was adjourned till November, 9 and 11, for trial.
