The Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, has dismissed the no-case submissions filed by Chidinma Ojukwu’s co-defendants, Adedapo Quadri and Chioma Egbuchu, in the ongoing trial for the murder of Super TV CEO, Michael Usifo Ataga.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya ruled on Thursday that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence for the second and third defendants to defend their charges. The case has been adjourned to February 20, 2025, for continuation.

Ojukwu and Quadri face multiple counts, including conspiracy, murder, and stabbing, over Ataga’s death on June 15, 2021, at a rented apartment in Lekki, Lagos. Egbuchu is charged separately with stealing Ataga’s iPhone 7.

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Counsel for Quadri and Egbuchu argued that the prosecution failed to establish a case against their clients. However, the state’s counsel, Yusuf Sule, countered with evidence linking the defendants to the crimes.

He said: “The prosecution has put forward material evidence linking the second defendant to the charges against him. We call upon him to enter his defense.”

“In response to the third defendant’s application, the prosecution filed a response on November 27, 2024, as per argument in response to this case. We urge the court to dismiss the application for a no-case submission as the prosecution has established material evidence of a stolen phone in the case.

“We, however, call upon the third defendant to enter her defence.”

Justice Adesanya upheld the prosecution’s arguments, ordering Quadri and Egbuchu to present their defense. The trial will resume with Quadri’s defense in February.

Credible News.ng