Court Orders Co-Defendants In Ataga Murder Case To Open Defence

Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos State High Court, sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, on Thursday, directed the co-defendants in the murder trial of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Michael Usifo Ataga, to open their defence.

The defendants, Chidinma Ojukwu, Adedapo Quadri, and Chioma Egbuchu, are standing trial for their alleged involvement in Ataga’s murder on June 15, 2021. The incident reportedly took place at No. 19 Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Ojukwu and Quadri face charges ranging from conspiracy to murder and stabbing, while Egbuchu, Ojukwu’s sister, is charged with the theft of an iPhone 7 belonging to the late Ataga.

During the trial’s resumed hearing, the second and third defendants, Quadri and Egbuchu, sought to halt proceedings by filing a no-case submission. Their respective counsels, Babatunde Busari and M.I. Otuaka, argued that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to warrant their clients entering a defence.

The prosecution, led by Yusuf Sule, opposed the submissions, insisting that the evidence presented linked the defendants to the alleged crimes.

“The prosecution has put forward material evidence linking the second defendant to the charges against him. We call upon him to enter his defence,” Sule stated. Addressing the case against the third defendant, he added, “We urge the court to dismiss the no-case submission as the prosecution has established material evidence of a stolen phone in the case.”

After reviewing the arguments, Justice Adesanya dismissed the no-case submissions and ordered Quadri and Egbuchu to present their defence.

The trial was adjourned to February 20, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings. The decision underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring all parties receive a fair hearing while pursuing justice in this high-profile case.