Lagos to charge Chidinma Ojukwu, two others with murder

Lagos State Government, through the directorate of public prosecution (DPP), has resolved to charge an undergraduate Chidinma Ojukwu and two others with the murder of chief executive officer of Super TV Usifo Ataga.

Police prosecutor Cyril Ajifor stated this on Monday when the defendants were brought before the Magistrate Court in Yaba after their initial remand for 30 days.

Ms Ojukwu, 21, was arrested by the police on June 23 for allegedly killing Mr Ataga at a short-let apartment in Lekki area of Lagos.

Mr Ajifor said the suspects would be arraigned at the high court which has jurisdiction over such matters.

The persons to be charged are Ojukwu; her elder sister, Chioma Egbuchu; and Adedapo Quadri.

Part of the DPP advice on the matter read, “After careful consideration of facts available in the case, this office is of the firm view that a prima facie case of conspiring to murder, murder, conspiracy to commit felony to wit; forgery, forgery and making documents without authority contrary to sections 233, 222, 411, 363 and 370 respectively of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, exists against Ojukwu Chindinma Adaora and Adedapo Quadri.

“Facts available also establish the offence of having possession of thing reasonably suspected to have been stolen contrary to section 329 of criminal Law of Lagos against Egbuchu Chioma.”

The DPP also advised that four of five persons that the police arraigned before the magistrate for obstructing justice in the matter should be discharged.

Those discharged are Chidinma’s adopted father, Onoh Ojukwu, 57; Babalola Disu, 42; Abayomi Olutayo, 23; and Ifeoluwa Olowu, 23.

The DPP advised against discharging Ms Egbuchu. She was allegedly found in possession of the deceased’s iPhone 7. The magistrate adjourned the matter till September 29.