Lagos Court Sets March 3 for Final Addresses in BRT Driver’s Murder Trial
The Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, has scheduled March 3, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses in the trial of Andrew Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver accused of raping and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike set the new date after the continued absence of the defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora. This marks the third adjournment due to Omotubora’s absence.
On November 29, 2024, the case was postponed due to Omotubora’s ill health. It was adjourned again on January 30, 2025, and set for hearing on February 10, 2025. However, when the court reconvened on Monday, February 10, Omotubora was once again absent, leading to the latest adjournment.
Charges Against Ominikoron
Ominikoron was arraigned in March 2022 and is facing charges of rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder, as brought by the Lagos State Government.
The prosecution alleges that he conspired with others at large to rape and murder Ayanwola. According to the charges, he sexually assaulted and killed the victim around 7 p.m. on February 26, 2022, between the Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge. The prosecution further claims that he and his accomplices threw Ayanwola out of a moving bus, leading to her death.
Additionally, Ominikoron is accused of raping a 29-year-old woman, Maryjane Odezulu, on November 25, 2021, at about 8 p.m. near the Lekki Conservation Centre.
The prosecution says these offences violate Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Defendant’s Testimony
The 47-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty and, during his defence on October 17, 2024, denied raping or murdering Ayanwola. He claimed that three male passengers who boarded his bus after official hours were responsible for the rape and fatal assault.
The trial now awaits the adoption of final written addresses on March 3, 2025 before the court proceeds to judgment.