BAMISE: DEFENSE COUNSEL'S ABSENCE STALL ANDREW NICE'S TRIAL

Read Time:1 Minute, 4 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

The murder Trial of Andrew Nice Ominikoron, the driver of the Bus Rapid Transit, alleged to have rape and killed Bamise Ayanwola, a 21-year-old fashion designer could not continue on Monday, owing to the absence of his lawyer.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, of the Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) annex, the court was informed of the defendant counsel’s absence, Abayomi Omotubora as he was reported to be indisposed.

Ominnikoron is facing five counts bordering on rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

The driver is also charged with raping another passenger, Maryjane Odezelu on November 25, last year.

On February 26, 2022, at about 7pm around the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway Lagos and Carter Bridge.

The prosecution said the defendant had sexual intercourse with Oluwabamise Ayanwole without her consent and murdered her.

According to the prosecution, the offences committed 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 pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike however, adjourned the matter to March 28th, 2023 for further hearing.