Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, on Thursday, admitted two handwritten statements made by Chidinma Ojukwu, standing trial for the alleged murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Usifo Ataga.
The judge ruled that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Ojukwu made the statements voluntarily rather than under duress.
The judge admitted the statements in evidence against the defendant while ruling on the trial-within-trial to prove that she made confessional statements voluntarily.
The defendant had, through her counsel, Mr Onwuka Egwu, alleged that she made the statements under duress, alleging that she was slapped and forced to sign the statements.
But in her ruling on Thursday, Justice Adesanya held, “The videos tendered in court did not display any intimidation towards the defendant while she was writing her statements.
“The voice of the Investigating Police Officer was clear and audible. It did not show any form of intimidation.”
The judge, therefore, admitted the two statements in evidence and marked them as exhibits.
Ojukwu, who is standing trial alongside one Adedapo Quadri and her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, was also charged with stealing and forgery.
After the ruling, the prosecutor, Adenike Oluwafemi, prayed for an adjournment on the grounds that the next witness, a policeman, was out of the jurisdiction.
Consequently, Justice Adesanya adjourned till May 30 for continuation of trial.