Court Clears Path for Ojukwu’s Defence, Directs Release of Crucial Exhibits in Ataga Trial

The Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has granted an application by the defence in the ongoing murder trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, ordering the release of certain exhibits considered crucial to the preparation of her case. Ojukwu is standing trial over the death of *Michael Usifo AtIn a ruling delivered by Justice Yetunde Adesanya, the court directed that specific electronic devices earlier released on bond to the nominal complainant be made available to the defence. The order followed submissions by Ojukwu’s lead counsel, Onwuka Egwu, who argued that access to the items was essential for the accused’s constitutional right to a fair hearing.

The exhibits in contention include multiple mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards belonging to both the deceased and the defendants. Among the items sought were an iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS, iPhone 7 Plus, a 2019 MacBook Pro, an HP laptop, and two 9Mobile SIM cards allegedly linked to Ojukwu. The defence also requested access to Ataga’s devices, including an iPhone 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and a MacBook Pro 13.

Justice Adesanya clarified that not all the requested items were in the custody of the prosecution but stressed that the principle of fair trial requires that an accused person be given reasonable access to relevant evidence.

In compliance with the court’s directive, prosecution counsel Yusuf Sule produced three of the exhibits — an iPhone 7, iPhone 11, and an HP laptop — for release to the defence team.

At the proceedings, only the third defendant, Chioma Egbuchu, was present in court. Ojukwu and the second defendant, Adedapo Quadri, were absent, reportedly due to the nationwide protest.

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The matter has been adjourned to October 27, November 6, 11, and 12, 2025 for continuation of trial.

This high-profile case, which commenced in 2021 following Ataga’s death in a Lekki hotel, has now entered a critical stage, with the prosecution having closed its case and the defence set to open theirs.