Utaga’s murder: Absence of Chidinma’s counsel stalls trial

 

 

The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Michael Usifo Ataga, the late Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, was halted on Tuesday due to the absence of her lawyer.

During the resumed hearing, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Adenike Oluwafemi, informed the court that she had received word from Ojukwu’s counsel, Mr Onwuka Egwu, that he was ill.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos High Court explained that the attorney stated that his lawyers would be unable to appear in the case due to their involvement in other court proceedings.

Mrs Oluwafemi, however, told the court that her own witness who was to give evidence was present in court.

The second and third defendants’ counsels, Mr Babatunde Busari and Miss P. O. Okpagbo, were present in court and raised no objections to the absence of the first defendant’s counsel.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya held that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Chidinma made the statements willingly and without duress.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, subsequently adjourned till June 8 for continuation of trial.

Chidinma, was a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos at the time of the offence, is standing trial alongside one Adedapo Quadri, for the murder of the Super TV CEO, Usifo Ataga.