Defendant In Super TV CEO Murder Trial Alleges Coercion By Police, Says Statement Were False And Made Under Duress.
Chidinma Ojukwu, a former University of Lagos student accused of killing Super TV Chief Executive Officer Usifo Ataga, has testified in her defence before a Lagos State High Court. Ojukwu claimed that statements she made during police interrogation were false and obtained under duress.
Ojukwu, who is standing trial alongside Adedapo Quadri and her sister Chioma Egbuchu, told the court that she was forced to narrate a story dictated by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Bamidele. She alleged that she was mistreated during interrogation, including being slapped and handcuffed to a chair.
According to Ojukwu, Bamidele collected her phone and laptop details, and asked her to confirm her sister’s contact information. She claimed that the IPO also asked about a MacBook she sold and a cannabis supplier. Ojukwu denied knowledge of ATM card transactions totalling N5,380,000.
The defendant testified that she was coerced into repeating a statement before the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and was paraded before journalists with instructions to stick to a script. She alleged that she was forced to write a statement under duress.
The case has been adjourned until May 7 for continuation of trial. Ojukwu’s testimony raises questions about the handling of her interrogation and the reliability of her statements.
