News
DNA: Blood On Chidinma’s Dress Matched Super Tv CEO Ataga’s – Witness
The 11th prosecution witness, Dr Richard Somiari, in the alleged murder trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, said the DNA blood sample found on Chidinma’s red dress matched that of the victim, Usifo Ataga.
Somiari, a Director and Consultant for the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, gave his evidence before a Lagos High Court, at Tafawa Balewa Square, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Ojukwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, is charged with the murder of Ataga, the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu and one Adedapo Quadri.
At the resumed hearing, the witness was led in evidence by the Lagos State Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Adenike Oluwafemi.
He told the court that he had practised on the area of forensic for a period of 15 years and had conducted over 500 forensic tests.
The forensic analyst told the court that his office received 21 different items on different days from their DNA centre staff members.
He said the items were received for evidence and they included a stained red dress, an army green Tshirt, a DNA sample from Chidinma Ojukwu.
He added that other items received were urine, blood, gastric content and byle which were retained for toxicology report.
He said that the goal was to create an evidence triangle to link the suspect to the crime scene and the victim.
Somiari said that the DNA on the red dress matched that of the victim, Ataga.
He, however, said that the DNA did not match that of Chidinma and the other suspects, Babalola Disu and Oluwatomi Dada.
The witness was cross examined by the first defendant’s counsel, Mr Onwuka Egwu.
The witness narrated how the result of the toxicology report was forwarded to the office of the Attorney-General of Lagos, the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He, however, said that not all forensic reports went through such procedure.
When asked if he questioned the report given by Dr Andrea Nuhu, the witness said: “I have already said that I am not a toxicologist. It is a toxicologist that can do such.”
Egwu, however, requested for the video of the crime scene to be played and the court granted it.
While the video was playing, he asked the witness whether the samples of the blood on the cotton, the wall, duvet, white polo the victim was wearing, were tested.
The witness answered that the samples were not submitted.
He, however, said that the markers indicated in his report had nothing to do with the video.
He had earlier said that some samples were in storage but not tested.
The second defendant counsel, Mr Babatunde Busari, also cross examined the witness.
Busari asked if any DNA sample was taken from the second defendant, Quadri, the witness said no.
The counsel also asked the witness if he took part in the toxicology analysis which he answered no.
The third defendant counsel, Ms C. G. Ugochikwu, said that she had no examination for the witness.
After listening, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, adjourned the case until May 30 for continuation of trial.
Naijablitznews recalls Ojukwu and the two others were arraigned on Oct. 12, 2021 by the Lagos State Government.
They are facing the first to eight counts bordering on conspiracy, murder, and stabbing.
Egbuchu, however, is facing the ninth count of stealing an iPhone 7 belonging to the late Ataga.
News
2025 Budget is ambitious, growth sustaining -Prof Nnamchi
Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, a federal lawmaker, has praised the 2025 national budget proposal, calling it ambitious and growth-sustaining.
He believed that the budget was aimed at reassessing the government’s transformation agenda, its impact on the production and the overall economy in addition to making sure that the government’s monetary and fiscal policies were in tandem.
The proposed budget according to him, “is expected to bring down interest rates, support investments, promote production, and sustain growth and reduce inflation. He stressed.
Professor Nnamchi also acknowledged the progress made in security, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has contributed to the increase in oil production from 1.2 barrels a day to 1.8 barrels a day.
Key highlights of the budget proposal include: A significant allocation to security, which Professor Nnamchi observed that it was crucial for addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of staple foods.
“Increase in oil production and agriculture due to improved security situation in the troubled areas will raise our GDP significantly, which could bring down inflation from 39% to 15 % going by medium term expenditure frameworks”
He noted stressing that the budget outlined proposed measures that would also support investments, promote production, and sustain growth while reducing inflation.
Such measures, he stated includes investments in infrastructure development, which were expected to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign direct investments.
“While ambitious, this budget is grounded in sound economic principles, and its successful implementation will depend on our collective resolve as representatives of the people to ensure that every naira allocated serves its purpose and delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.”
Overall, Professor Nnamchi emphasized the need to prioritize national interest and work towards moving the nation forward urging that Nigeria should be placed above sectional interest.
News
Work for Peace and Unity of Nigeria’, Obi tasks Ohaneaze president, Mbata
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The leader of the opposition Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has admonished the newly elected leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator John Azuta Mbata to work towards peace and unity of the nation.
Writing on his X handle in a congratulatory message to the Executive, Obi urged the new Executive to leverage their position, which shows the people’s confidence in them to strengthen the Igbo family and unite the country.
“On behalf of my family and the Obedient movement, I congratulate the Newly Elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; the Secretary-General, Emeka Sibeudu, and other newly elected executive members, on their emergence as the leaders of the noble organization.
“Their emergence as the leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body that unites the Igbo people, underscores the level of confidence and hope the people have in their leadership ability and their commitment to the development of the region and the nation in general.
“I pray that they will leverage their new offices to continue to work for the peace and unity of our nation and contribute immeasurably to ideas that will drive development, peace, and progress among the people.
“May God give you all, the wisdom and strength to serve the people.
A New Nigeria remains Possible.
News
Minor cabinet reshuffle: Delta gov redeploys Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties
In a minor cabinet reshuffle, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has redeployed Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties.
As part of the changes, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties.
In the interim, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, will oversee the Ministry of Information.
Also, a reliable source within the inner circle of the government has also verified the same development.
There are mixed reactions among journalists regarding Governor Oborevwori’s directive for the Ministry of Information to be overseen by Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu.
This sentiment stems from lingering grievances over the fallout between journalists and the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Journalists have expressed dissatisfaction with Okowa’s refusal to acknowledge their efforts during his eight-year tenure with a ‘parting gift.’
It is worth recalling that Okowa was accused of denying journalists of same gesture of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, fully implemented by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, extended to media professionals, both government house press crew and those outside the Government House.
-
News15 hours ago
Fresh Shakeup In Army, Senior Officers Redeployed
-
News14 hours ago
Tinubu approves ban on homosexuality in military
-
News14 hours ago
Why Police didn’t arrest Okoya brothers – Spokesman
-
News18 hours ago
Delta gov fires Information Commissioner with immediate effect
-
News15 hours ago
Nasarawa Judicial Commission demotes magistrate over Erisco Foods critic Chioma Okoli’s case
-
News8 hours ago
Bold move: Tinubu Endorses Ban On Homosexu#lity, Lesbianism, Others
-
News15 hours ago
France completes withdrawal of soldiers from Chad
-
Foreign14 hours ago
Death toll rises as California wildfires rage into fifth day