Bamise’s Murder: Absence Of BRT Driver Stalls Trial

Justice Serifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Monday adjourned the ongoing trial of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, accused of killing one of his passengers, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, due to his absence in court.

Justice Sonaike fixed October 17 for the continuation of the trial after she was informed by one of the Correctional Officers that Ominnikoron was not brought to court because he sustained an injury on his left leg from a fall while having his bath.

The state, through its director of public prosecution (DPP) Jide Martins, had arraigned Omininikoron before the court on a four-count charge of conspiracy, murder and two counts of rape.

The prosecution had informed the court that the defendant, on November 25, 2021, allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu in Lagos.

The lawyer alleged that the incident occurred at about 7 pm at Lekki- Ajah Conservation Centre Lekki Ajah Expressway Lagos.

The DPP also claimed that Ominnikoron conspired with others now at large and forcefully had sexual intercourse with his 22-year-old passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, a fashion designer, without her consent and murdered her.

Martins said the incident occurred on February 25, 2022, at about 8 pm, at Lekki – Ajah Conservation Expressway and Cater Bridge.

Martins further told the court that the defendant and others still at large, on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed one Oluwabamise Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus at Cater Bridge after having sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

He maintained that the offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.