Delayed Justice: Netizens React as Chidinma Languish in Jail

In the wake Wednesday, 25 December festivity, a man identified as Nnajiofor Chidozie, on Facebook, reminded netizens about Chidinma Ojukwu, a lady alleged to have murdered the late CEO of Super TV, Mr Usifo Ataga at Angel Villa Lekki in 2021.

Mr Chidozie enquired about the case contending his sympathy over the uncertainty of the accused fate.

In his words, “Chidimma and Mr Usifo of Super CEO TV Lekki how far the case, what’s latest on it as she celebrates another Christmas in detention without knowing her fate either for conviction or discharged and acquitted,” he wrote on his page.

He however, further whined against violence and trouble “Hello.. guys avoid trouble it doesn’t pay good at all.”

John Lead, another user (Facebook) commented, “I said it that time that even in ten years time, that case will not end,” John wrote.

Another Facebook user, Ugochukwu Ijeoma Ndianefo, expressed his concern for the girl and beamed the possibility of her being innocent of the crime alleged.

“My brother! The girl doesn’t even look it. My small mind is doubting if she really did that thing,” he commented.

Until her arrest, Chidinma Ojukwu was a 300-level student of the University of Lagos. She was arrested at her father’s residence days after Mr Ataga’s body was found at a hotel in lekki.

However, three years down the line, Chidinma still remains in detention and the case, still lingering in the corridors of justice.

Although section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution presumes accused persons innocent until they have been proven guilty, accused like Chidinma are left at the detriment, lingering behind the walls of a common jail for a crime she might not be convicted for.

Meanwhile, despite the Nigerian Constitution data from the Nigerian Correctional Centre, reveals that 56,973 people, including minors, are still awaiting trial as of October 2024, out of 84,337 detainees across the country’s 244 correctional facilities.