In the ongoing trial of Chidinma Ojukwu for the murder of Usifo Ataga, forensic expert Dr. Richard Somari provided compelling testimony to the court.
At the Lagos High Court situated in Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island, Dr. Somari revealed crucial findings regarding DNA evidence discovered on Chidinma’s red dress.
Testifying as the eleventh prosecution witness, Dr. Somari, a seasoned director and consultant at the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, presented his analysis, drawing from over 15 years of experience in forensic science. He disclosed that the DNA blood sample extracted from Chidinma’s red dress conclusively matched that of the victim, Usifo Ataga.
Led by the Lagos State Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi, Dr. Somari outlined the meticulous process undertaken by his team.
They received 21 distinct items from their DNA center staff, including Chidinma’s stained red dress, an army green t-shirt, and a DNA sample from the accused herself. Additionally, bodily fluids such as urine, blood, gastric content, and bile were analyzed for toxicology reports.
Dr. Somari elucidated the significance of these findings, emphasizing the establishment of an evidence triangle linking the suspect to the crime scene and the victim.
While the DNA on Chidinma’s dress matched that of Usifo Ataga, it did not correspond to the DNA profiles of Chidinma or the other initial suspects, Babalola Disu and Oluwatomi Dada, who were also charged in connection with the case.
