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Ataga’s Murder: Police Tore My Statement, Coerced Me To Sign Theirs — Chidinma

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Chidinma Ojukwu, a prime suspect in the murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Usifo Ataga, yesterday, told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) that the two statements she wrote were torn by the police.

Ojukwu told Justice Yetunde Adesanya that she was coerced to sign the statement written for her by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Olusegun Bamidele and one dictated to her by Olufunke Madeyinlo.

She disclosed this in her testimony in trial within trial to ascertain the voluntariness of the statement to the police.

Ojukwu, a suspected 300-level Mass Communication undergraduate, of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is standing trial over the alleged murder of Ataga alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri.

They were also charged with stealing and forgery aside from the case of murder. She alleged that she was told to rehearse the statement Bamidele wrote and narrate it to the Commissioner of Police (CP).

Led-in- evidence by her counsel, Mr. Onwunka Egwu, Ojukwu said before she was taken to the CP’s office at Ikeja on June 23, her hands were handcuffed to the chair she sat,  until the following day on June 24, when she was brought out of the interrogation room and taken to Ikeja.

She told the court that on June 23, 2021, while in her room at No 47 Akinwunmi Street Alagomeji Yaba, her 10-year-old sister came to inform her that there were men in the sitting room looking for her.

“When I came to the sitting room, I greeted them and they asked if I was Chidinma and I replied in the affirmative. They asked me where Mr. Ataga’s phone and his Range Rover vehicle was?  I replied, ‘I don’t know’.

“Then, my sister went to call my Dad (her Foster Father Onoh Ojukwu). When my Dad came out, he asked who they were?. They said they were policemen.

“They told him that they were from Panti Police Station. They said that they came to arrest me and to search the house or I should go in and bring the phone. I said I don’t know where the phone and car were.

“ So, one of the policemen slapped me and my Dad said you cannot slap my daughter in my house and the policemen tried to enter the room from the passage,” she said.

But the  Deputy Director of Public Prosecution (DDPP), Adenike Oluwafemi, opposed the line of evidence, arguing that she was giving evidence of the case instead of how her statement was taken.

She, however, said she was handcuffed and taken away from their sitting room into the police vehicle. “When I was entering the vehicle, I told my Dad to call my lawyer, our family lawyer, Mr. Egwu.

When asked if she could remember some of the questions the IPO had asked her, Ojukwu said that she was asked to state her name, where she is from, where she lives, how she met Ataga, how many days she spent in the apartment and when she left.

She said the handcuffs were removed in the morning of June 24, when Bamidele and Chris came to ask her to sign the statement.

After listening to her testimony, the judge gave the prosecution and the defendant counsel 14 days each to file their written addresses in the trial within trial.

The judge adjourned the case to January 11, 2023, for the adoption of final written addresses.

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NSA Ribadu Tells Canada To “Go To Hell” For Denying Military Chiefs Visas

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In a significant diplomatic snub, Canada has refused to grant visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and several other senior military officers for an official event. Speaking on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the first annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu voiced his dissatisfaction, telling Canada “to go to hell.”

The officials were scheduled to participate in a ceremony in Canada honoring war veterans, but only a part of the delegation was granted visas, sparking strong reactions from Nigerian authorities.

Ribadu and Musa discussed the matter at the inaugural lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS). The event, attended by security experts and government officials, highlighted national security and international collaboration.

Ribadu labeled the visa denial as disrespectful, while Musa stressed that Nigeria needs to assert itself internationally and no longer be taken lightly. Musa reflected on how his team had been invited to the veterans’ event, only to be hit with an unexpected setback when some members of the delegation were denied entry. He viewed the incident as a reminder for Nigeria to bolster its independence and strength.

He stated, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honor our veterans… half of us have gone, and half have been denied. It’s very disappointing. It’s a clear reminder that the country must stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and should no longer be taken for granted.”

Ribadu commended Musa for his leadership in tackling security issues and underscored the importance of national advancement. He remarked, “Thank you for having the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell. Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong, and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country.”

The visa rejection raises concerns about Canada’s position on Nigerian military officials and its broader diplomatic relationship with Nigeria. While the exact reasons for the denial remain unclear, the incident has shed light on the bureaucratic and political obstacles Nigerian officials face in international dealings.

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Gbenga Adeyinka D’1st Gears Up For Laffmattazz “About Time World Tour”

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Iconic Nigerian comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka D’1st, is set to embark on a global comedy tour, bringing laughter and excitement to fans around the world.

The Laffmattazz tagged “About Time World Tour” promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring Gbenga Adeyinka D’1st’s unique brand of comedy and other amazing comedians.

The tour will kick off in Nigeria, with shows in Ibadan, Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

From there, Gbenga Adeyinka D’1st will take his comedy to the global stage, performing in the UK, Canada, and the USA.

“We are thrilled to announce the Laffmattazz World Tour, which promises to be an epic comedy experience,” said Gbenga Adeyinka D’1st.

When asked what his fans should expect, Gbenga Adeyinka D’1st said “We have an amazing lineup of shows planned, and we can’t wait to bring laughter and joy to our fans around the world.”

The Laffmattazz World Tour is set to be a hilarious and entertaining experience, featuring Gbenga Adeyinka D’1st’s signature comedy style, which blends humor, storytelling, and audience interaction.

For more information on the Laffmattazz World Tour, including tour dates, venues, and ticket information, follow us on social media @gbengaadeyinka1stgcon @Laffmattazz_ga1st

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #LaffmattazzWorldTour.

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Our Matriarch Has Returned To Her Creator

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With a heavy heart and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mrs Mojisola Norinatu Adebayo Nee Adelakun who departed this world on the evening of Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Fondly known as Iya Wale, she lived a remarkable 68years filled with love, kindness, and wisdom. She was a pillar of strength who taught us patience, tolerance, and, above all, the true essence of love. Her presence touched many lives, and her legacy of compassion will forever remain in our hearts.

Though my siblings and I deeply mourn her loss, we take solace in the knowledge that she has returned to her Creator. In accordance with Islamic rites, she was laid to rest on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

As we reflect on her impactful life, the family will hold the 8th Day Fidau prayers next week to honor her memory. We kindly ask for your prayers and support during this difficult time.

May Allah grant her eternal rest and admit her into Al-Jannah Firdaus.

 

Dr. Abiola Adebayo

For the Family

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