BAMISE: DEFENSE COUNSEL’S ABSENCE STALL TRIAL OF ANDREW OMINIKORON AGAIN
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The trial of Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a BRT driver who allegedly raped and murdered Oluwabamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer, was postponed on Tuesday due to the absence of his counsel, Abayomi Omotubora.
At the resumed hearing of the case before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, announced his appearance for the state and informed the court that this was the second time in a role that the defendant’s counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, will be absenting himself from court.
Martins said, ” This is the second time consecutively that the defense counsel has been absenting himself from court. He hasn’t deemed it fit to communicate with the court or sent a Junior counsel to explain to the court”.
“Such attitude is a sign of disrespect to the court.
“On the last adjourned date, the counsel said he was sick when he was called. This morning, we received a call from one Mr Isaac Ezekwem, saying the learned counsel will not be able to come to court.”
“Even that was not good enough, because there’s no medical certificate to show the nature of the illness that is preventing him from coming to court.”
“My Lord, this morning, the state is ready to take three witnesses. Two bankers and a police officer who recovered the body of the deceased.”
After listening to the DPP, Justice Sonaike read to the hearing of the court saying, “Two sittings in a role, defense counsel is absent and didn’t call. If last time was impromptu, I want to believe that today is premeditated and an act of disrespect and also delaying of trial.”
Sonaike also mentioned that the court lightened other cases in other to have a longer time to attend to this trial.
She added, “I find it unbecoming as the defense counsel is absent without sending mails or letter.”
“Counsel must ensure that he’s in court and the defendant must inform his lawyer to be in court.”
By next sitting, if defense counsel is not available, the office of Public defender will be notified.”
The Judge however, directed that email fearing notice be served to the Defense counsel while she adjourned to June 30th and July 7, 2022, for the continuation of the trial.
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