Alleged Murder: Don’t Use Media Trial On Chidinma — LEDAP

Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) has condemned the
media trial and police parade of Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu over the
murder of Super TV chief executive officer, Michael Usifo
Ataga.

Chidinma, who is a 300-level student of the Department of Mass
Communication at the University of Lagos had in a police parade
admitted to the alleged murder of the CEO in Lagos.

LEDAP, in a statement by Chino Obiagwu (SAN) yesterday, said
Chidinma’s parade by the Nigeria Police Force violated her
fundamental right to fair hearing and presumption of innocence as
provided under the Nigerian Constitution.

“In addition, Section 35 (2) of the 1999 Constitution provides
that “Any person who is arrested or detained shall have the right
to remain silent or avoid answering any question until after
consultation with a legal practitioner or any other person of his
own choice.”

It is unlawful that the Nigeria Police Force (State CID, Panti)
has denied Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu access to a legal representative
and has compelled her to make statements in the presence of
journalists and other media agencies.

Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) has condemned the
media trial and police parade of Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu over the
murder of Super TV chief executive officer, Michael Usifo
Ataga.

Chidinma, who is a 300-level student of the Department of Mass
Communication at the University of Lagos had in a police parade
admitted to the alleged murder of the CEO in Lagos.

LEDAP, in a statement by Chino Obiagwu (SAN) yesterday, said
Chidinma’s parade by the Nigeria Police Force violated her
fundamental right to fair hearing and presumption of innocence as
provided under the Nigerian Constitution.

“In addition, Section 35 (2) of the 1999 Constitution provides
that “Any person who is arrested or detained shall have the right
to remain silent or avoid answering any question until after
consultation with a legal practitioner or any other person of his
own choice.”

It is unlawful that the Nigeria Police Force (State CID, Panti)
has denied Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu access to a legal representative
and has compelled her to make statements in the presence of
journalists and other media agencies.