Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV CEO Michael Usifo Ataga, has finally spoken out in court about the moment she claims she found him dead.
Speaking at the Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square on Thursday, the former University of Lagos student told Justice Yetunde Adesanya how she returned to the short-let apartment they were staying in on June 15, 2021, only to discover Ataga lying lifeless in a pool of blood.
“I knocked several times but got no response,” she said. “When I pushed the door open, I saw bloodstains and found him on the floor, unconscious. His eyes were half open, and he had no pulse.”
Led in testimony by her lawyer, Mr. Onwuka Egwu, Chidinma detailed her relationship with Ataga, which began in November 2020. According to her, they were introduced through a mutual friend and had grown close — with Ataga helping her financially, even paying her tuition and supporting her small business.
She recalled that Ataga invited her to spend time with him ahead of his birthday, as his Victoria Garden City home was under renovation. He suggested they rent a short-let apartment in Lekki, which she booked and he approved.
Over the next few days, they shared meals, drank wine, and smoked together, she testified. On June 14, Chidinma claimed Ataga asked her to get cannabis and rohypnol — and sent her N15,000 for that, along with N25,000 for food.
The following day, he again requested more cannabis and asked her to pay for it herself, she said. After a mix-up with the food order, she returned to the apartment and found the shocking scene.
“I panicked,” she admitted. “I cleaned myself, changed clothes, and packed my things. I also took a brown envelope with his bank statements, ID cards, and documents, as well as some jewelry, and left.”
The case has been adjourned until April 28, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
