In June 2021, the death of Michael Usifo Ataga, chief executive of Super TV, shook Lagos and drew nationwide attention. What began as a police investigation quickly developed into a high-profile criminal trial involving Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu, then a student of the University of Lagos.
As proceedings unfolded, the case expanded beyond its early narrative, bringing forward multiple strands of evidence, including statements, financial records, and forensic findings. Years later, the trial remains one of the most closely followed legal cases in Nigeria.
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The Events of June 2021
Ataga was reported missing after he could not be reached for several days. His body was later discovered in a short-let apartment in Lekki, Lagos.
Following the discovery, police investigations led to the arrest of Chidinma Ojukwu. She was presented as a key suspect, and early developments in the case drew intense public interest due to the nature of the allegations and the profile of those involved.
Arrest, Charges, and Trial
In October 2021, the Lagos State Government arraigned Ojukwu alongside Adedapo Quadri and Chioma Egbuchu. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included murder and related offences.
During the trial, one of the central issues concerned statements attributed to Ojukwu during the early stages of the investigation. She later told the court that those statements were false and made under pressure. The court conducted a trial within trial to determine their admissibility and, in 2023, ruled that two handwritten statements could be admitted as evidence.
Financial and Digital Evidence
The prosecution presented evidence relating to financial activity linked to Ataga around the time of his death. Witnesses testified about transfers from his bank account, raising questions about events following the incident.
Evidence was also introduced concerning electronic devices associated with Ataga, including a MacBook. Testimony linked these items to transactions that became part of the broader case presented in court.
Forensic Findings
Forensic evidence formed another part of the proceedings. In 2024, an expert testified that blood found on a red dress associated with Ojukwu matched Ataga’s DNA.
This evidence was presented as part of the overall case before the court, alongside other materials and testimony.
Absence of Surveillance Evidence
The owner of the short-let apartment testified that the property had no CCTV system and no lodgers’ register.
This meant that there was no recorded visual account of movements into or out of the apartment, and the timeline of events relied on other forms of evidence presented during the trial.
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The Defence
As the trial progressed, Ojukwu presented her defence. She told the court that she returned to the apartment and found Ataga dead, offering a version of events different from earlier accounts associated with the case.
The court has continued to hear evidence and arguments from both sides as the proceedings move forward.
The Case Today
The trial has extended through several adjournments and continued into 2025 and 2026. As of March 2026, there has been no widely reported final judgment in the case.
The outcome will depend on the court’s evaluation of all evidence and testimony presented during the proceedings.
Author’s Note
The story of Usifo Ataga’s death reflects how a single event can unfold into a long legal journey shaped by testimony, evidence, and time. It shows how the search for truth moves gradually through the courtroom, where every claim is examined and every detail weighed before a final decision is reached.
References
Premium Times, Lagos govt arraigns Chidinma Ojukwu, one other over murder of Super TV CEO
Premium Times, Super TV CEO murder, No CCTV, lodgers’ record where murder occurred, apartment owner
Premium Times, How N5m was transferred from deceased’s account, witness testimony
Punch Newspapers, Court admits Chidinma’s handwritten statements
Punch Newspapers, Blood on Chidinma’s dress matched Ataga’s DNA, expert testimony
Channels Television, Chidinma tells court how she found Usifo Ataga dead in Lekki apartment
The Nation, Trial of Chidinma Ojukwu resumes in Ataga murder case
