Ataga’s murder: Absence of prosecution witness stalls trial

The trial of an undergraduate, Chidinma Ojukwu, for the murder of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Super TV, Mr Usifo Ataga, was on Tuesday stalled due to the absence of a prosecution witness. Chidinma is also charged with stealing and forgery, alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri. President, VP, Senate president, […]

The trial of an undergraduate, Chidinma Ojukwu, for the murder of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Super TV, Mr Usifo Ataga, was on Tuesday stalled due to the absence of a prosecution witness.

Chidinma is also charged with stealing and forgery, alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri.

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On Monday, the Lagos State Deputy Director of Public Prosecution (DDPP), Mrs A. O. Oluwafemi, told the court that the case was for continuation of trial.

She, however, said that the ninth prosecution witness, DSP Olusegun Bamidele, who had not finished his evidence, was absent in court.

According to the DDPP, the witness sent a text message informing her that he was drenched by rain and was unable to get transportation to the court.

She apologised for the witness’s absence.

Counsels to the defendants, Mr Onwuka Egwu, Mr Babatunde Busari and Miss M. A. Abia-Bassey, said that the prosecution counsel had earlier informed them of the development. So they did not object to adjournment of the case.

 Justice Yetunde Adesanya consequently adjourned the trial to October 27.