The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, an alleged killer of Super TV boss, Usifo Ataga, was stalled on Thursday July 7th, 2022 following the absence of her lawyer. Ms Ojukwu is standing trial for the alleged murder, stealing, and forgery alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri.
Onwuka Egwu, notified the High Court in TBS of his absence and applied for vacation of July 7 because he is stuck in Anambra due to flight delay. But lawyers to the first and second defendant said they were not aware of their colleague’s absence.
The state lawyer, Adenike Oluwafemi told the court that they were disappointed that Mr Egwu could not call them. She added that their witness was in court. However, another lawyer, C.J Jiakeponna announced appearance for the third defendant, Ms Egbuchu.
Lawyer to the second defendant, Babatunde Busari observed that the previous lawyer to Ms Egbuchu had requested an adjournment during the last sitting saying he needed time to get necessary documents to follow his defense thereby delaying the process.
He added that now there is a new lawyer to the third defendant, and a possible delay again.
The judge, Yetunde Adesanya, warned that that going forward such scenarios will not play out again, as lawyers will not be allowed to use excuses to delay the process.
She adjourned the case to October 4 and 6 for continuation of the trial.
