Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV CEO Michael Usifo Ataga, testified before a Lagos High Court on how she discovered Ataga’s lifeless body on June 15, 2021.
The former University of Lagos Mass Communication student said she returned from buying food and juice, knocked repeatedly on the apartment door without a response, then pushed it open to find blood on the floor and Ataga lying motionless in a pool of blood at a short-let apartment in Lekki.
Her testimony is part of an ongoing trial where Chidinma, alongside her sister Chioma Egbuchu and Adedapo Quadri, faces charges, including conspiracy, murder, and theft related to Ataga’s death.
Forensic evidence presented in court includes a DNA blood sample found on Chidinma’s red dress that matched Ataga’s DNA, linking her to the crime scene.
The trial has also featured confessions and forensic expert testimonies, with the court reviewing video evidence and statements written by Chidinma.
Chidinma when she saw Ataga lying in a pool of his blood, “I dropped everything and rushed to him,” she recalled emotionally, adding that his eyes were half-shut and there was no pulse.
Led in evidence by her counsel, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, Chidinma recounted her relationship with Ataga, which began in November 2020.
According to her account in a Vanguard Newspaper report, they met through a mutual friend, Fiyin, who was dating Ataga’s friend, James. She described Ataga as kind and supportive, claiming he paid her school fees and helped finance her cosmetics business.
She revealed that Ataga, a media executive from Edo State residing in Victoria Garden City, had three children with his estranged wife based in Abuja.
According to her, on June 13, 2021, Ataga informed her of his upcoming birthday and invited her to spend time with him before traveling to Abuja for a family gathering.
“Due to ongoing renovations at his VGC residence, he suggested booking a hotel or short-let apartment in Lekki, where he had scheduled meetings,” she said.
Chidinma stated that she found a short-let apartment at 19 Adewale Street, off Ologolo Road, Lekki, which Ataga approved.
According to her, they met there that evening, went out to eat at Ango Villa restaurant, bought wine, and returned to the apartment to eat, drink, and smoke.
On June 14, they woke up late and Ataga allegedly asked her to contact her supplier for ‘loud’ (cannabis) and rohypnol. She said he sent N15,000 for that and later N25,000 for food. She was out for about two hours buying meals due to COVID-related restrictions and delays.
On June 15, she said Ataga requested more cannabis but asked her to pay since he was unable to transfer funds.
He also gave her money for food and juice. After a delay caused by a mix-up over the okro soup she was asked to buy, she returned to the apartment — only to be met with a horrifying scene.
“I saw blood stains, pushed the door open, and saw Michael on the floor, covered in blood. I checked for a pulse — there was none.”
In panic, she said she cleaned blood off herself, changed clothes, and packed her belongings, including a brown envelope containing Ataga’s bank statements, ID cards, and documents belonging to one Mary Johnson. She also took some jewelry before leaving the apartment in a cab.
This case continues to unfold in the Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, drawing significant public attention due to the high-profile victim and the dramatic court proceedings.
It has been adjourned till April 28, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
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