The Lagos High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square has fixed March 3 for adoption of final written addresses in the case of a State Bus Rapid Transport, driver Andrew Ominikoron, who is standing trial for allegedly raping and murdering a 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike fixed the date following the absence of the defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora.
This is the third time the court is adjourning at the instance of the defence counsel for adoption of final written addresses.
On November 29, 2024, the court adjourned the case at the instance of Omotubora, who was absent on grounds of ill-health.
On January 30, 2025, the court again adjourned the case till February 10, 2025, for the adoption of the final written address.
When the case came up on Monday, February 10, Omotubora was again absent prompting the court to further adjourn the case till March 3, 2025.
Ominikoron, who was arraigned in March 2022, is standing trial for alleged rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder preferred against him by the Lagos state government.
The Prosecution told the court that Ominikoron conspired with others now at large to rape and murder his 22-year-old passenger.
It said that the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwola without her consent and murdered her at about 7pm, between Lekki Ajah expressway and Carter bridge, on February, 26, 2022.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant and others now at large on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed Ayanwola by throwing her out of a moving bus between Lekki- Ajah expressway and Cater Bridge.
The prosecution also said that the defendant on November 25, 2021, allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady, Maryjane Odezulu, without her consent.
The incident took place at about 8pm, at Lekki Conservation Centre, Lekki Ajah Expressway, Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the offences committed is contrary to and punishable under Sections 411,223,260 and 165 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015.
However, the 47-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.
The defendant, who opened his defence on Oct. 17th, 2024, told the court that he didn’t rape or kill Miss Ayanwola, as accused.
He said it was three male passengers who boarded his bus after official hours that raped her and threw her off the vehicle.
