ATAGA: Force headquarters takes over case

The Nigerian police headquarters has taken over the investigation and prosecution of suspects in the murder of Super TV CEO Usifo Ataga.

The Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) involvement followed the petition by senior advocate Mike Ozekhome—against the manner the Lagos police command was going about the murder case.

SUPOL Oluniyi Ogundeyi, FCIID’s spokesman, confirmed the development to the National Daily September 6, stating IGP Baba Usman directed the department to take over.

Ozekhome petitioned not only the IGP, but also the presidency, and Lagos Attorney-General Moyosore Onigbanjo.

The Atagas hired Ozekhome because they believed there is a lot more the Lagos police command is overlooking in investigating and prosecuting the matter.

The National Daily earlier reported how the family expressed their displeasure with the bail court granted an accomplice, Babalola Disu: N100 million and two sureties in like sum.

The family also claimed it was unaware of when the prime suspect, 21-year-old Chidinma Ojukwu, was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Yaba, Lagos.

So far, the police have also arraigned Onoh Ojukwu, 57, and Disu, 42, for obstructing the police from performing their duties and failing to report a crime.

As the headquarters has taken over, all the suspects released, and the investigating officers will have to come back for fresh investigation.

The late CEO was murdered in July in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.

The prime suspect, Chidima, has been ordered by the magistrate court to face murder trial in high court

The other three defendants—Jessica Egbochi, 28; Abayomi Olutayo, 23; and Ifeoluwa Olowu, 23—were accused of receiving stolen items.