Again, absence of defence counsel stalls Bamise’s murder trial

The trial of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, accused of killing 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwola, was stalled yesterday due to the absence of the defendant’s counsel, Mr Abayomi Omotubora.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), had initially scheduled January 30, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses. This followed an earlier adjournment on November 29, 2024, when Omotubora was absent, citing ill health.

The matter was further adjourned to February 9, 2025, for the adoption of written submissions. However, Omotubora was absent again yesterday and failed to file his final written address, delaying the proceedings.

During the session, the Prosecutor, Babajide Martins, informed the court that Omotubora contacted him in the morning, stating that he had not filed his written address but promised to do so during the day.

Justice Sonaike, noting the delay, adjourned the trial to March 3, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses.

The prosecution alleges that Ominikoron raped Ayanwola and murdered her on February 26, 2022, between Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge. He is also accused of unlawfully throwing Ayanwola out of a moving bus, leading to her death.

Also, the defendant is charged with sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman, Maryjane Odezulu, on November 25, 2021, at Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre.

The offences are said to contravene Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Ominikoron, aged 47, has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Lagos State government.