The second defendant in the trial of the murder of Super TV Chief Executive Officer, Michael Usifo Ataga, at the Lagos High Court sitting at the JIC Taylor Courthouse, Igbosere, Adedapo Quadri, opened his defence, denying ever meeting the deceased before his death.

Led in evidence by his counsel, Babatunde Busari, Quadri told the court that he had never met the deceased and only became aware of his death after he was arrested.

Under cross-examination, Quadri admitted knowing Ojukwu through a mutual friend but rejected the claim that she was his customer.

He confirmed that she contacted him on several occasions, including requests to help deliver a sealed envelope and to facilitate the purchase of substances referred to as “ruffies” and “loud,” which he said were delivered through a dispatch rider to Lekki Phase 1. He maintained that he never visited the apartment where Ataga was later found dead.

When questioned about alleged forged documents, including a driver’s licence, bank statement, and international passport, Quadri denied producing them, stating that he only delivered a sealed envelope without knowledge of its contents. He added that he merely referred Ojukwu to a University of Lagos staff member when she sought assistance in obtaining a school ID card.

Justice Adesanya adjourned the case to February 23 for continuation of the defence.