By John Ikani
A Nigerian woman, Chidinma Ojukwu who is facing trial for the suspected murder of a businessman and CEO of Super TV, Usifo Ataga has been crowned Miss Cell 2022, at Kirikiri prison in Lagos.
Ojukwu, a student of the University of Lagos, who allegedly stabbed her victim to death in Lekki, Lagos in 2021, emerged Miss Cell 2022 in a beauty pageant organized at the correctional centre to mark the 2022 International Women’s Day.
Photos from the event seen by Heritage Times captured the suspect donned in exquisite dresses. She was also seen wearing a crown.
The 21-year-old is standing trial before a Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
She is charged with murder, stealing and forgery alongside her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, and one Adedapo Quadri.
The National Spokesperson, Nigeria Correctional Service, Francis Enobore who confirmed the development to BBC Pidgin, said Ojukwu participated in the program like every other inmate.
According to him, to commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day, there were some events held in the facility.
“Some cell blocks presented drama while some organized beauty pageantry, so there were different events in each block and so many winners emerged.
“Chidinma is also an inmate so we cannot stop her from participating just because of her case. Her own block did beauty pageantry.
“The inmates had approached the officer in charge that they wanted to have a program to commemorate the International Women’s Day and their request was approved.”