Update: Chidinma Ojukwu Breaks Silence, Tells Court How She Found Super TV CEO, Usifo Ataga Dead In Lekki Short-let Apartment
Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV CEO Michael Usifo Ataga, today, April 17, testified before a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, recounting how she discovered Ataga’s lifeless body in a short-let apartment in Lekki on 15 June 2021.
Recall that late Ataga was found dead in the apartment after he lodged there with his lady lover, 21-year-old Chidinma Ojukwu.
As at then, the 300-level Mass Communication undergraduate of the University of Lagos, UNILAG had said during her parade by the police that she stabbed the married TV boss three times after he tried having sex with her.
She had claimed that they dated for over four months after she met him in a wild party. Chidinma also stated that she stabbed him and left him in the pool of his own blood, absconding with his ATM card which she used in withdrawing money from his account.
However, testifying before Justice Yetunde Adesanya of a Lagos High Court today, Chidinma said she had returned from buying food and juice, knocked repeatedly without getting a response, then pushed the door open, only to find blood on the floor and Ataga lying motionless in a pool of blood.
“I dropped everything and rushed to him,” she said, adding that his eyes were half-shut and he had no pulse.
Led in evidence by her counsel, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, Chidinma recounted her relationship with Ataga, which began in November 2020.
She mentioned that they met through a mutual friend, Fiyin, who was dating Ataga’s friend, James. Chidinma described Ataga as kind and supportive, claiming he paid her school fees and helped finance her cosmetics business.
According to her, Ataga who hails from Edo State and was residing in Victoria Garden City, had three children with his estranged wife based in Abuja.
She told the court that on June 13, 2021, Ataga informed her of his upcoming birthday and invited her to spend time with him before travelling to Abuja for a family gathering. She said:
“Due to ongoing renovations at his VGC residence, he suggested booking a hotel or short-let apartment in Lekki, where he had scheduled meetings.”
Chidinma stated that she found a short-let apartment at 19 Adewale Street, off Ologolo Road, Lekki, which Ataga approved.
According to her, they met there that evening, went out to eat at Ango Villa restaurant, bought wine, and returned to the apartment to eat, drink, and smoke.
She told the court that on June 14, they woke up late and Ataga allegedly asked her to contact her supplier for ‘loud’ (cannabis) and rohypnol. She said he sent N15,000 for that and later N25,000 for food. She was out for about two hours buying meals due to COVID-related restrictions and delays.
She mentioned that on June 15, Ataga requested more cannabis but asked her to pay since he was unable to transfer funds.
He also gave her money for food and juice. After a delay caused by a mix-up over the okro soup she was asked to buy, she returned to the apartment — only to be met with a horrifying scene. She recounted:
“I saw blood stains, pushed the door open, and saw Michael on the floor, covered in blood. I checked for a pulse — there was none.”
In panic, she said she cleaned blood off herself, changed clothes, and packed her belongings, including a brown envelope containing Ataga’s bank statements, ID cards, and documents belonging to one Mary Johnson.
She also took some jewellery before leaving the apartment in a cab.
The case was adjourned till April 28, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.