Proceedings at the Lagos State High Court on Monday took a dramatic turn as the elder sister of Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Usifo Ataga, testified that she received a phone from her sister but was unaware it was stolen.
The witness, Chioma Egbuchu, who is the third defendant in the ongoing trial alongside Chidinma Ojukwu and Adedapo Quadri, made the disclosure while giving evidence before the court.
Testifying in the witness box, Egbuchu told the court that her sister gifted her an iPhone 7 Plus in June 2021, shortly before her arrest. She explained that the gift was given during a visit to Chidinma’s residence in the Alagomeji area of Yaba, Lagos, noting that it was their first meeting since 2015.
According to her, she was surprised by the sudden upgrade in her sister’s lifestyle, observing new household items, including an air conditioner, mirror, phones, a laptop, and wall paintings. When she inquired about the source of the items, Chidinma allegedly told her they were provided by a male friend.
Egbuchu said she further questioned her sister about the phone, but was informed that it was purchased from Computer Village without any receipt or packaging.
The witness told the court that she only became aware of the controversy days later when a friend alerted her that her sister was being paraded by the police in connection with a crime.
She added that she was subsequently contacted by Chidinma’s foster father, who informed her that the phone gifted to her was stolen and advised her to return it to the police.
Egbuchu stated that she, alongside her mother and uncle, reported to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Lagos, where she handed over the phone and made a statement, maintaining that she had no prior knowledge of its origin.
“When she gave me the phone, I did not know it was stolen,” she told the court.
During the proceedings, defence counsel to the second defendant sought an adjournment on the grounds that lead counsel was absent. However, the prosecution opposed the request, urging the court to proceed with the trial.
Following arguments from both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, adjourned the matter to April 22, 2026, for the continuation and conclusion of cross-examination of the third defendant.
The case, which has been ongoing since 2021, stems from the discovery of Ataga’s body in a Lekki apartment where he had lodged with Chidinma Ojukwu. The prosecution has since closed its case, with the defendants now presenting their respective testimonies.
Chidinma Ojukwu and Adedapo Quadri remain in custody, while Egbuchu is currently on bail as the trial continues.
