Chidinma Ojukwu expresses regret over Super TV CEO’s death

Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the alleged murder of Super TV CEO, Michael Usifo Ataga, has expressed regret over his d3ath during a tense cross-examination at the Lagos State High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square.

The 300-level Mass Communication undergraduate, who is standing trial alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and Adedapo Quadri for murder, conspiracy, and stealing, made the admission on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 while testifying as the first defence witness.

The atmosphere in the courtroom shifted when prosecution counsel, Y. A. Sule questioned Ojukwu about her feelings regarding the tragic incident. 

When asked point-blank if she regretted Ataga’s death, she replied, “I regret that he d!ed.”

The hearing focused heavily on digital forensics and the handling of gadgets found in Ojukwu’s possession following the incident.

The prosecution sought to establish that Ojukwu had stolen Ataga’s devices after his death, presenting receipts from a company named ‘Phone Hub’ as evidence.

The documents reportedly detailed a transaction where Ojukwu swapped an iPhone and sold a MacBook Pro for ₦495,000.

Ojukwu admitted visiting the outlet to sell the laptop, confirming the proceeds were paid into her Sterling Bank account. 

However, she vehemently denied stealing the device from the deceased.

“Yes, it was a birthday gift and the person who gave it to me also gave me the receipt,” Ojukwu told the court, insisting the laptop was her personal property.

The session was marked by sharp legal exchanges. The defence counsel, led by Onwuka Egwu, objected to the admissibility of the Phone Hub receipts.

Egwu argued that the prosecution was ambushing the defendant with evidence not previously disclosed, a move he termed contrary to legal requirements.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, overruled the objection, admitting the receipts as relevant exhibits crucial to the case.

Under further questioning, Ojukwu clarified the timeline of her actions. She stated that the sale of the laptop occurred days after she had left the short-let apartment in Lekki where Ataga’s body was found.

She also confirmed that she continued using her phone to make calls after leaving the crime scene but denied being the last person to see the Super TV boss alive.

Ojukwu maintained she had no technical expertise in Information Technology, refuting suggestions that she had manipulated the digital trail.

Justice Adesanya adjourned the matter to February 9, 10, 17, and 23, 2026, for the continuation of the trial. 

NAN reports that Ms Ojukwu is the first witness for the defence.

The defence informed the court that they intend to call about four witnesses.

On its part, the prosecution had called about 10 witnesses.

Ms Ojukwu and Mr Ataga were lodged together at a short-let apartment in Lagos, where the police later found the body of the deceased in a pool of blood. 

The case, which began in 2021, is now in its fifth year. 

Share on:  Whatsapp  Twitter  Facebook