The Lagos State High Court at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Tuesday fixed February 8 for the hearing of the ‘No Case Submission’ filed by Andrew Ominnikoron, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver facing trial for the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, one of his passengers.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike, who initially fixed Tuesday for the adoption of the application, adjourned the case due to the defense counsel’s failure to serve the prosecution a copy of the application. Abayomi Omotubora represents the defense.
Ominnikoron is arraigned on a four-count charge with conspiracy, murder, and two counts of rape.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jide Martins, had informed the court that the defendant, on November 25, 2021, allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu in Lagos.
The DPP alleged that the incident took place at about 7 pm around the Lekki- Ajah Conservation Centre on the 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 Ayanwola, a fashion designer, without her consent after which he murdered her.
Martins said the incident occurred on February 26, 2022, at about 8 pm, between Lekki Ajah Conservation expressway and Carter bridge
Martins further told the court that the defendant and others still at large, on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed Oluwabamise Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus at Carter 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.
When the case was called on Tuesday, the prosecutor, Mohammed Olateju, informed the court that Omotubora had not served the prosecuting team with a copy of the No Case Submission application.
Omotubora stated that he had not completed the application filing but assured it would be done soon.
“We need a little time to meet filing. All that is left to be done is just scanning, which will be done as soon as possible.”
Justice Sonaike adjourned the matter to February 8, 2024, for the adoption of the application.
Ada Peter
