The trial of Andrew Ominikoron, the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver accused of raping and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwole, has been adjourned to March 3, 2025. The adjournment, made by Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, was prompted by the absence of the defence counsel, Mr. Abayomi Omotubora.
On the previous adjournment date, January 30, 2025, the court had scheduled a hearing for February 10, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses. However, Omotubora’s continued absence led the court to push the case further to March 2025. The defence lawyer had previously requested an adjournment on November 29, 2024, citing ill health as the reason for his absence.
Ominikoron is facing four charges, including conspiracy, rape, and murder, which were brought against him by the Lagos State Government. He was arraigned in March 2022 for allegedly raping and murdering Ayanwole, his passenger, on February 26, 2022, along the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Expressway.
The prosecution claims Ominikoron conspired with others, now at large, to assault and kill Ayanwole. It is alleged that he sexually assaulted her without consent before fatally throwing her from a moving bus at around 7 p.m. between the Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge on the same day.
The charges against Ominikoron include violations of Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015). Despite the gravity of the allegations, Ominikoron has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
