More than four years after the alleged murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Michael Usifo Ataga, the trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, a University of Lagos undergraduate accused of killing him, remains one of Nigeria’s most closely followed criminal cases.

Ataga was found dead on June 15, 2021, in a short-let apartment in Lekki, Lagos. His body bore multiple stab wounds, and police investigations quickly led to the arrest of 21-year-old Chidinma, who was later charged alongside two others for murder, conspiracy, and theft.

The Alleged Crime

According to investigators, Chidinma and the late businessman had checked into the apartment days before his body was discovered.

Police said video evidence and forensic findings linked her to the scene. The case drew massive public attention due to the victim’s profile and the sensational details surrounding the incident.

The Prosecution’s Case

During court proceedings, the prosecution presented several pieces of evidence, including autopsy and toxicology reports, video recordings, and electronic devices recovered from the apartment. The autopsy indicated that Ataga died from multiple knife wounds, while toxicology tests sought to determine if drugs or substances were involved.

Prosecutors also tendered video footage allegedly showing a lifeless Ataga and a recorded statement from the accused.

READ ALSO: Court Orders Release Of Exhibits To Chidinma Ojukwu For Defence

Authorities maintains that the evidence proves Chidinma’s direct involvement in the killing and theft of the victim’s belongings, including his laptop and phones.

The Defence’s Position

Chidinma, who pleaded not guilty, has repeatedly denied murdering Ataga. In her testimony before the Lagos High Court, she claimed she discovered him dead upon returning to the apartment after stepping out. She admitted fleeing the scene but said she did so out of fear.

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Her lawyers have also challenged aspects of the prosecution’s evidence, particularly the toxicology report, arguing that it does not conclusively prove incapacitation or deliberate killing. The defence insists that several exhibits — including phones and laptops seized by the police — contain information crucial to establishing her innocence.

Court Orders Release of Exhibits

On Monday, October 20, 2025, Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos High Court ordered the police to release certain exhibits to the defence for forensic examination. The items include mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards belonging to both the deceased and the accused. The judge said the order was necessary to guarantee Chidinma’s constitutional right to a fair trial.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya on Monday granted an application by the defence, filed on April 29, 2025, by counsel Mr. Onwuka Egwu, seeking access to exhibits that had been released on bond by the prosecution.

The first defendant, Chidinma Ojukwu, is being tried alongside Mr. Adedapo Quadri and Chioma Egbuna on a three-count charge of murder, conspiracy, and theft, contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

In support of the application, Egwu told the court that the defence needed access to the exhibits to adequately prepare Ojukwu’s case.

He listed the items as, for the first defendant (Chidinma Ojukwu): one black iPhone 11 Pro, one gold iPhone XS, one silver MacBook Pro (2019 model), one HP laptop, two 9Mobile SIM cards with numbers 09024366827 and 08188284433, and one iPhone 7 Plus.

For the deceased (Michael Ataga): one iPhone 8, one iPhone 12 Pro Max, and one MacBook Pro 13.

The counsel submitted that the items formed part of the prosecution’s bundle of exhibits but were released on bond to the nominal complainant.

Broader Context and Expert Reactions

Legal analysts say the case highlights key challenges in Nigeria’s criminal justice system — including delays, media sensationalism, and questions about forensic capacity. Civil rights advocates have also cautioned against “trial by media,” urging the public to respect the presumption of innocence until judgment is delivered.

If convicted, Chidinma and her co-defendants could face severe penalties, as murder is a capital offence under Nigerian law.