Absence of BRT driver stalls murder trial

The absence of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, charged with rape and murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, on Monday, stalled his trial.

Ominikoron, 47, is charged with five counts of rape, conspiracy, sexual assault and murder.

The Lagos State Government had accused him of the rape and murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Ayanwole.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the defendant, Mr Abayomi Omotubora, told the court that his client was absent in court due to a leg injury.

He told the court that the defendant fell in the bathroom and sustained an injury on his left leg.

The trial Judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, however, summoned a prison warder to explain why the defendant was not present in court.

The warder explained that the defendant sustained an injury on his left leg and was receiving treatment.

The judge ordered the Director for Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, to ensure the presence of the defendant in court at the next sitting.

She adjourned the case until Oct. 17 for continuation of trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecution counsel had said that the incident occurred on Feb. 26, 2022, at 7.00 p.m., near Lekki- Ajah Coservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant had forcible sexual intercourse with Ayanwole, before killing her.

The prosecution said that the offences contravened Sections 165, 223, 260 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Ominnikoron pleaded not guilty.