The Lagos State Magistrate Court in Yaba has ordered the remand of Chidinma Ojukwu, who allegedly stabbed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Super TV, Usifo Ataga. to death.
Magistrate Adedayo ordered the remand of Chidinma for 30 days following an application of the police counsel, Cyril Ejiofor.
The police had on Monday brought Chindima and one Adedapo Quadri before the court and Ejiofor urged the court to remand them pending the issuance of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions report on the matter.
He said, “The remand is to enable the DPP to come up with legal advice. We pray for the remand of the defendants for the first 30 days in the first instance.”
Chidinma’s counsel, who was the Director of the Office of the Public Defender, Babajide Martins, told the court that the prosecution failed to provide the defence with the remand application but did not oppose the remand application.
He said, “I have just been privileged to get a copy of the remand application. I have not been able to go through it, my learned friend’s application is inevitable, I would have been happier if I was obliged of the application earlier. The application will not be opposed, in principle.”
Quadri had no legal representation.
Ruling on the application of the police counsel, Magistrate Adedayo said, “In the absence of any opposition, the two defendants are hereby remanded for 30 days in the first instance. The case is adjourned till September 5, for review of remand/DPP’s advice.”
The police have also filed a criminal charge against Mr Onoh Ojukwu, father of Chidinma Ojukwu, who is accused of killing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Super TV, Usifo Ataga.
Ojukwu and four others were arraigned by the police on Monday before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court for obstruction of justice and failing to report a crime to the law enforcement agencies.
The 57-year-old, and one Babalola Disu, 42, were charged with obstructing the police from performing their duties and failing to report a crime to the police.
The other defendants – Jessica Egbochi, 28; Abayomi Olutayo, 23; and Ifeoluwa Olowu, 23, were accused of receiving stolen items.
All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecution counsel, Cyril Ajiofor, alleged that the defendants committed the offences on June 18 and 23 at Computer Village in Ikeja, and Alagomeji in Yaba.
He informed the court that Ojukwu prevented the police from arresting his daughter, Chidinma, while the second defendant, Disu, failed to report Ataga’s death to the police.
According to Ajiofor, the other three defendants dishonestly received a MacBook valued at N2.5 million and an iPhone 7 worth N150,000 belonging to the deceased.
He stated that the offences contravened Sections 97, 117, 328, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Adeola Adedayo granted each defendant N1 million bail with two sureties each in the like sum, who must make a deposit of N20,000 into the coffers of the Chief Registrar.
She adjourned further proceedings until September 6.
