The trial of a Bus Rapid Transit driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, accused of raping and murdering passenger Oluwabamise Ayanwole, faced delays on Monday due to his absence.
Ominnikoron, 47, is facing five charges, including rape, conspiracy, sexual assault, and murder, brought by the Lagos State Government over the death of the 22-year-old fashion designer.
During the court session, the defense attorney, Mr. Abayomi Omotubora, informed the court that his client could not attend due to a leg injury sustained from a fall in the bathroom.
A prison warder corroborated this, explaining that Ominnikoron was undergoing treatment for the injury.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike, presiding over the case, summoned the prison warder for clarification on the defendant’s absence and subsequently instructed the Director for Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, to ensure Ominnikoron’s presence at the next hearing.
The judge then scheduled the continuation of the trial for October 17.
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on February 26, 2022, around 7:00 p.m., near the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre on the Lekki-Ajah Expressway in Lagos.
The prosecution asserted that Ominnikoron forcibly raped and then murdered Ayanwole, with the charges citing violations of Sections 165, 223, 260, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Ominnikoron has entered a plea of not guilty.
