BAMISE: ANDREW NICE’S TRIAL ADJOURNED AGAIN OVER DEFENSE’S FAILURE TO FILE FINAL WRITTEN ADDRESS

By Aishat Momoh. O.

The ongoing trial of Andrew Nice Ominikoron, the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver accused of killing 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwola, was adjourned once again due to the absence of the defendant’s final written address. The case, which was scheduled for the adoption of written addresses yesterday, was delayed after defense counsel, Mr. Abayomi Omotubora, failed to submit the required documents.

Omotubora, who was previously absent due to ill health at the last court sitting on November 29, 2024, was once again not present to represent Ominikoron. During yesterday’s proceedings, the prosecution counsel, M.F. Salau, informed the court that the defense had yet to serve their written address, despite the matter being long overdue. She expressed uncertainty about the delay and requested a further date for the matter to be addressed.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike, presiding over the case at the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), expressed concern over the lack of communication from the defense. She noted that the trial had been adjourned nearly two months ago and that no explanation had been provided for Omotubora’s continued absence or the failure to file the final written address.

In response to the prosecution’s request, Justice Sonaike directed that the prosecution could proceed with an application to file their own written address. She then adjourned the case to February 10, 2025, for the final adoption of written addresses.

Ominikoron is facing charges in connection with the alleged murder of Ayanwola, whose body was found in a BRT vehicle in March 2022. The trial has been closely followed, with many awaiting the resolution of the case.