The ongoing trial of a 300-level Mass Communication undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Chidinma Ojukwu, who was charged with the murder of the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga, was on Thursday, stalled for the fourth time due to the absence of her lawyer.
Counsel for Ojukwu, Mr Onwuka Egwu, had informed the court of his absence and applied for the vacation of Thursday as he was stuck in Anambra State due to a flight delay.
Ojukwu is standing trial alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri, before a Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
They were charged with nine counts bordering on murder, stealing and forgery.
At the resumed trial on Thursday, counsel for the second and third defendants told the court that they did not know why Ojukwu’s counsel was not in court.
The prosecution counsel, Mrs Adenike Oluwafemi, who is the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, told the court that she was disappointed that the counsel was not in court and could not even call.
She informed the court that they had a witness in court.
Also, a new lawyer, Mr C. J. Jiakpona, announced appearance for the third defendant, Egbuchu.
Jiakpona said he was new in the matter and would need all the necessary documents to aid him in defending his client.
The prosecuting counsel, however, informed the court that the former counsel to the third defendant, Mr Ngozi Akandu, had been given all the necessary documents.
She urged the new counsel to collect the documents from Akandu to avoid further delay.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya said no excuses would be taken to delay the matter.
She adjourned the case till October 4 for continuation of trial.