Chidinma Ojukwu, the former University of Lagos student accused of killing Super TV CEO Michael Ataga, told a Lagos High Court on Monday that she never discussed his death with co-defendant Adedapo Quadri.
Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student at the time of the incident, made the remarks while being cross-examined by Quadri’s lawyer, Babatunde Busari. The defence sought to determine whether Quadri played any role in Ataga’s death.
The Lagos State Government has charged Ojukwu and Quadri with eight counts, including murder and conspiracy. A third defendant, Chioma Egbuchu, faces a charge of stealing Ataga’s iPhone 7.
Ojukwu insisted that her relationship with Quadri was transactional — involving only the purchase of cannabis (“Loud”), Rohypnol and assistance in producing her student ID card.
“He did not know anything about what happened between me and Mr Ataga. He never came to the apartment,” she said.
She also admitted taking a brown envelope from the crime scene when she left. According to her, it contained Ataga’s personal documents, including bank statements, his driver’s licence, identity cards, and an international passport belonging to a woman named Mary Johnson. Ojukwu said she informed police officers about the envelope after her arrest.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya admitted into evidence several letters previously submitted by Ojukwu’s defence counsel, including correspondence to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Ministry of Justice and the Inspector-General of Police.
The court also admitted electronic devices tendered through Ojukwu, including three iPhones and a MacBook Pro. She confirmed ownership of the devices, explaining that she had sold the MacBook to a vendor.
The case was adjourned to 6 November for the continuation of trial. Prosecutors allege Ojukwu and Quadri fatally stabbed Ataga on 15 June 2021 at a short-let apartment in Lekki, Lagos. The defendants were first arraigned in October 2021.
