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A Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square has adjourned the trial of a Lagos State Bus Rapid Transport, driver Andrew Ominikoron, accused of allegedly raping and murdering a 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwole, to March 3, 2025, for the adoption of final written address.
The trial judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, fixed the date following the absence of the defence counsel, Mr Abayomi Omotubora.
On the last adjourned date on January 30, 2025, the court had also adjourned the case till February 10, 2025, for the adoption of the final written address.
On November 29, 2024, the court adjourned the case in the instance of Omotubora, who was absent on the grounds of ill health.
When the case came up again on Monday, Omotubora was again absent which prompted the court to further adjourn the case till March 3, 2025.
Ominikoron is facing four counts bordering on conspiracy, rape, and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
He was arraigned in March 2022 before the court over the alleged rape and murder of his passenger on February 26, 2022, at the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Expressway.
The prosecution told the court that Ominnikoron conspired with others now at large to rape and murder his 22-year-old passenger.
The prosecution said that the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwole, without her consent, and murdered her at about 7 p.m. between Lekki Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge, on February 26, 2022.
The defendant and others now at large on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed one Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus between Lekki- Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge.
According to the prosecution, the offences committed contravened Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
However, Ominnikoron pleaded not guilty, to the charges against him.
