Forensic Expert Connections Chidinma's Outfit Features DNA From Super TV CEO Usifo Ataga
THE Lagos High Court heard the latest developments in the trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, an undergraduate student charged with murdering Super TV CEO Usifo Ataga.
The 12th prosecution witness, Doctor Richard Somiari, told the court that Ojukwu's scarlet dress included a DNA blood sample that was found to match Ataga, the victim.
Dr. Somiari, who has 15 years of experience in forensic analysis, described the receipt of 21 items for investigation, including Ojukwu's red dress, an army green t-shirt, and DNA samples, during interrogation led by Lagos State Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Adenike Oluwafemi.
He underlined the need to create a triangle of evidence connecting Ojukwu, the victim, and the murder scene.
While the DNA on the red dress matched that of Ataga, Dr. Somiari went on to clarify that it did not match that of Ojukwu or the other two initially charged suspects, Babalola Disu and Oluwatomi Dada.
During the first defendant's attorney, Onwuka Egwu, cross-examination, Dr. Somiari clarified how toxicology tests are handled and highlighted that he is a forensic analyst, not a toxicologist.
As this was going on, Egwu asked to see the crime scene footage, and Dr. Somiari verified that certain blood samples had not been sent in for analysis.
Dr. Somiari gave a negative response when Babatunde Busari, the second defendant's attorney, asked about DNA samples from his client.
Judge Yetunde Adesanya postponed the case to May 30 in order to continue with additional proceedings after the testimony. On October 12, 2021, Ojukwu and her co-accused were arraigned and charged with offenses ranging from theft and murder to conspiracy.
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