BAMISE: ADOPTION OF FINAL WRITTEN ADDRESS IN MURDER CHARGE AGAINST ANDREW NICE MARCH 6

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The trial of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver Andrew Nice Ominikoron, who is accused of killing fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwola, 22, for the fourth time, was postponed Wednesday by the Lagos State High Court, which is seated at TBS.

Because defence attorney Abayomi Omotubora, who was present in court this time, had not yet submitted his final written address, the case—suit number LD/18316C/2022—was postponed once more.

He said that if it weren’t for a point made by prosecutor Dr. Babajide Martins in his last address, he would have submitted a reply to the final address he received from the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

He apologised for his inability to file his address, saying he would do so today, March 3 or latest tomorrow March 4. He then asked the court to accommodate the matter for Thursday 6th or latest Monday 10th March for adoption of addresses.

Upon agreement by prosecutor to adjourn, the judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike adjourned the matter to March 6, 2025, to enable Omotubora file his written address on point of law.

Note that on November 29, 2024 the matter was first adjourned for adoption of written address on January 30, 2025. Since then, it has faced three more adjournments owing to excuses by defence counsel.

The matter was adjourned to February 10, March 3 and now March 6, 2025.

Recall that the prosecution had alleged that the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwola without her consent and murdered her at about 7 p.m. on February 26, 2022, between Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge.

The defendant and others now at large, on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed Ayanwola by throwing her out of a moving bus between Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge.

The prosecution also stated that the defendant allegedly raped a 29-year-old woman, Maryjane Odezulu, without her consent on November 25, 2021, at about 8 p.m. at Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.

His offenses are contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

However, the 47-year-old defendant, Ominikoron, has pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the Lagos State government.