A Lagos State High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square has postponed the trial of Andrew Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver accused of raping and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwole.
The court has now fixed March 3, 2025, for the adoption of the final written address.
Oluwabamise Ayanwole: Justice Sherifat Sonaike gave the new date following the absence of the defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora. The case was initially scheduled for February 10, 2025, but Omotubora failed to appear in court, just as he was absent on the last hearing date of January 30, 2025.
This is not the first time Omotubora’s absence has caused a delay. On November 29, 2024, the court had also adjourned the case because he was reportedly unwell.
Ominikoron, who was arraigned in March 2022, is facing four charges related to conspiracy, rape, and murder, brought against him by the Lagos State Government.
Oluwabamise Ayanwole: According to the prosecution, on February 26, 2022, Ominikoron conspired with others, who are still at large, to rape and kill Ayanwole. The prosecution alleged that the defendant forced himself on her and later threw her out of a moving BRT bus along the Lekki-Ajah Expressway, near Carter Bridge.
The charges against him are based on Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015. Despite the accusations, Ominikoron has pleaded not guilty.
The case will continue on March 3, 2025, when the court is expected to proceed with the final written address.