The Ataga murder case has remained one of Nigeria’s most closely followed criminal trials since 2021. As proceedings continue at the Lagos High Court, new courtroom revelations — including allegations involving Chidinma Ojukwu’s foster father — have added fresh twists to the ongoing trial.
Here is a detailed timeline of events, key allegations, and the current status of the case.
June 15, 2021: Usifo Ataga Found Dead in Lekki Apartment
Usifo Michael Ataga, the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, was found dead in a short-let apartment in Lekki, Lagos. He suffered multiple stab wounds.
Police immediately launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
SEE ALSO,
“Lawmaking Is Not Like Eating Amala” — Senate Defends Electoral Act Amendment
NAIRA Exchange Rates – February 12, 2026
June 16–17, 2021: Arrest of Chidinma Ojukwu
Shortly after the discovery, police arrested Chidinma Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Investigators alleged that she was the last person seen with Ataga before his death.
Police Parade and Alleged Confession
Police later paraded Chidinma before the media. During interrogation, authorities claimed she confessed to stabbing Ataga during a struggle.
However, her legal team strongly disputed the confession. They argued that investigators obtained her statements under duress. Consequently, the court ordered a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were voluntary.
October 2021: Arraignment Before Lagos High Court
The Lagos State Government arraigned Chidinma alongside:
- Adedapo Quadri
- Chioma Egbuchu (her sister)
Prosecutors charged them with conspiracy, murder, stealing, and forgery. Nevertheless, all defendants pleaded not guilty.
November 2022: Foster Father Allegation Surfaces
During proceedings, a police witness told the court that investigators uncovered intelligence suggesting Chidinma had a sexual relationship with her foster father, Onoh Ojukwu.
The witness also claimed that her biological mother never formally assigned custody to him. According to the prosecution, this discovery raised questions about credibility and possible knowledge of the crime.
Importantly, the allegation emerged during arguments over the admissibility of Chidinma’s statements.
2023–2024: Presentation of Evidence
As the trial progressed, prosecutors presented several pieces of evidence, including:
- CCTV footage
- Phone records
- Financial transactions
- Items recovered from the apartment
Meanwhile, the defence maintained that the prosecution’s narrative contained inconsistencies.
Dismissal of No-Case Submission
In 2024, the court dismissed the no-case submission filed by the co-defendants. As a result, the judge ordered them to open their defence.
2025: Chidinma Opens Defence
In a dramatic turn, Chidinma testified in her own defence. She told the court that she did not kill Ataga.
Instead, she claimed she discovered his lifeless body in the apartment. She further explained that fear prevented her from immediately reporting the incident to the police.
Her testimony directly contradicted the prosecution’s earlier claims.
Key Issues Before the Court
The Lagos High Court must determine:
- Whether her alleged confession was voluntary
- Whether the prosecution proved murder beyond reasonable doubt
- The relevance of the foster father allegation
- The weight of digital and forensic evidence presented
Ultimately, the court’s final judgment will depend strictly on evidence and legal arguments.
Trial Still Ongoing
The Ataga murder case remains before Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos High Court. Proceedings continue as both sides present their arguments.
Sojworldnews will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates.
Leave a Reply