Chidinma Ojukwu, a 300-level student of the University of Lagos standing trial for the alleged murder of TV CEO Michael Ataga, told a Lagos State High Court on Monday that she did not report the incident to the police out of fear false accusations
Testifying before Justice Yetunde Adesanya, Chidinma explained her reluctance was a result of previous reports of individuals being blamed after reporting crimes. She also admitted she had considered alerting the apartment’s gateman but ended the call due to anxiety.
Chidinma, along with co-defendants Adedapo Quadri and her sister Chioma Egbuchu, face a nine-count charge including murder, theft, and forgery. She began presenting her defence on April 17, 2025, detailing the events surrounding Ataga’s death in June 2021.
According to Chidinma’s testament, she noticed Ataga’s WhatsApp account was active even though she had seen him lying motionless in a pool of blood. She thereafter attempted to reach him by phone which failed, prompting suspicions that someone else may have had his phone.
She said she contacted the property’s gateman, Abu, who initially claimed Ataga had left the premises. However, he later confirmed that the victim’s vehicle was still parked there. Chidinma said she then messaged Ataga apologising and asking for forgiveness, stating, “I didn’t mean to leave you in that state. I was very scared,” after which she was blocked
