A University of Lagos Student Accused of Killing Michael Ataga Speaks
Chidinma recounts the events following the alleged murder of Super TV CEO Ataga, explaining her decision not to report his death.
Testifying in a Lagos High Court, Chidinma Ojukwu, a defendant accused of murdering Super TV CEO, Michael Ataga, shared her fear of being wrongly accused as the reason she didn't report the incident to the police.
Appearing before Justice Yetunde Adesanya, Ojukwu revealed that she was gripped by a terrifying fear of being judged and treated unfairly. She spoke of cases where whistleblowers were treated as suspects, which fed her apprehension.
"I'd read about folks reporting crimes and landing themselves in hot water," she recounted. "I even hesitated to call the gatekeeper again while I was on the stairs of the apartment, and I ended the call out of fear."
The Timeline Following Ataga's Death
In her defense, which commenced on April 17, 2025, Ojukwu provided a detailed account of her actions from June 16 to June 23, 2021. Led by her counsel, Onwuka Egwu, she explained her confusion upon discovering Ataga's lifeless body in a pool of blood, despite his WhatsApp status showing as online.
"I was perplexed. I found myself questioning if someone else might have his phone," she said.
Ojukwu called the apartment's gatekeeper, Abu, who reportedly claimed Ataga had left the previous day. However, he later revealed that Ataga's car was still parked. Recalling this, Ojukwu admitted feeling overwhelmed and sending a message to Ataga expressing her remorse.
"I pondered over what had happened and sent a WhatsApp message saying, 'Please forgive me. I didn't intend to leave you in that state. I was really scared'," she shared.
Laptop Sale, Phone Gift, and Arrest
Ojukwu confessed taking two laptops-one MacBook and one HP-to Computer Village on June 18, 2021, for sale and repairs. She sold the MacBook for ₦495,000 after claiming it was a gift and signing out of iCloud.
She also admitted gifting an iPhone 7 Plus to her sister, Chioma, on June 22, 2021, as a replacement for a lost phone.
Ojukwu explained her arrest on June 23, 2021. She described being handcuffed and taken to Panti Police Station alongside her father.
"At the DCP's office, I told him I wasn't aware of his death. I confessed that I'd fled in fear and taken my belongings. My father was also handcuffed," Ojukwu testified.
Accusing Officer Bamidele of coercion, she revealed that he threatened her and refused her request for a lawyer. She claimed that he said no lawyer would be allowed to see her and that her family members, including her 10-year-old sister, would be detained if she did not cooperate.
Ojukwu denied allegations of using a robe to tie Ataga and claimed she was unable to have tied such a large man. She also denied possessing any of Ataga's belongings, stating that as a student, she had legal access to her bank statements, voter's card, and school ID.
The case, involving charges of murder, theft, and forgery against Ojukwu, Adedapo Quadri, and her sister Chioma Egbuchu, is scheduled to continue on April 29, 2025.
Did you know? In Nigeria, concerns about being wrongfully accused and mistreated after reporting a crime are common due to issues within the justice system. The case of Chidinma Ojukwu, while not providing specific details, illustrates the widespread fear of unfair treatment.
Nigeria struggles with wrongful imprisonments due to police misconduct and corruption [1]. Citizens can make arrests under specific circumstances but are at risk of being wrongly accused if they don't comply with legal procedures. Furthermore, agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) launch investigations and arrests, sometimes exacerbating systemic inefficiencies instead of addressing fears of wrongful accusation [1][2][3].
Initiatives like neighborhood watch programs promote community involvement in reporting suspicious activities, but they can lead to misidentification or false accusations if not properly managed [4]. The implications are significant, as the distrust in the justice system is compounded by a fear of being wrongly accused.
[1] Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 Constitution)[2] Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Est, etc.) Act, CAP E1, LFN, 2014[3] National Drug Law Enforcement Act, CAP N30, LFN, 2004[4] Nigerian Police Force Regulations, 2021[5] #EndSARS Movement, 2020.
- Chidinma Ojukwu's fear of being wrongly accused and mistreated by the police in Nigeria is a common sentiment among citizens due to systemic issues within the justice system.
- Ojukwu's testimony in the Lagos High Court revealed her apprehension about reporting the murder of Super TV CEO, Michael Ataga, as she had heard stories of whistleblowers being treated as suspects.
- In 2025, Ojukwu provided a detailed account of her actions between June 16 and June 23, 2021, during which she discovered Ataga's lifeless body, sold two laptops, and was arrested.
- The case involving Ojukwu, Adedapo Quadri, and her sister Chioma Egbuchu, charged with murder, theft, and forgery, is scheduled to continue on April 29, 2025.
- Nigerian justice system struggles with wrongful imprisonments due to police misconduct and corruption, which can deter citizens from reporting crimes out of fear of being wrongly accused or mistreated.
- Initiatives like neighborhood watch programs can lead to misidentification or false accusations, compounding the distrust in the justice system and making citizens less likely to report crimes.
