The trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the death of Super TV CEO Michael Usifo Ataga, resumed on Tuesday at the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square.
During her testimony, Ojukwu expressed regret over Ataga’s death.
Ojukwu is standing trial alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri on charges of murder, conspiracy, and theft.
During cross-examination by the prosecution, led by Barrister Y. A. Sule, Ojukwu was questioned about the phones and MacBook found in her possession at the time of her arrest and her knowledge of how such devices operate.
She faced allegations of taking Ataga’s gadgets after his death. Reports indicate that Ojukwu and Ataga were staying together in a short-let apartment in Lagos, where his body was later found.
The prosecution presented two receipts from Phone Hub, showing that Ojukwu swapped her iPhone and sold her MacBook Pro for ₦495,000.
She denied prior knowledge of the documents but admitted visiting the outlet to sell her MacBook.
The defence counsel, Barrister Onwuka Egwu, objected to the documents, arguing they were not previously disclosed. However, Justice Adesanya overruled the objection and admitted the receipts as evidence.
Ojukwu told the court that the MacBook was a birthday gift and explained that the receipt was given by the person who gifted it to her.
She also denied being the last person to see Ataga alive or leaving the apartment with his devices. When asked about her feelings regarding Ataga’s death, she said, “I regret that he died.”
Under further questioning by her defence team, Ojukwu revealed she was a 300-level Mass Communication student before her arrest and had no expertise in information technology.
She is the first defence witness, with her legal team indicating they plan to call about four witnesses, while the prosecution had earlier called over ten.
The case, which began in 2021, is now in its fifth year. The court adjourned to February 9, 10, 17, and 23, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
