The alleged rape and murder trial of the Lagos Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, before a Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, has been adjourned.
The case was adjourned because the defence counsel did not serve the prosecution its ‘No-case’ submission application file.
Ominikoron, 47, is facing five counts of rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault and murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwole, before Justice Sherifat Sonaike.
At the resumed trial on Tuesday, State Counsel M.A. Olateju informed the court that the defence lawyer, Abayomi Omotubora, at the last sitting told the court that he would be filing a ‘no-case submission.’
But Omotubora explained that the prosecution was yet to be served because the filing had not been completed.
“We need a little time in order to complete filing. All that is left to be done is just scanning and that will be done as soon as possible,” Abayomi told the court.
Olateju however, suggested a further date to enable the defense to file its no-case submission properly.
After hearing the plea, Justice Sonaike adjourned the case till February 8, for the defense to adopt its no-case submission.
According to the charge, the incident occurred on February 26, 2022, at about 7pm, near the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant had forcible sexual intercourse with Oluwabamise Ayanwole, before murdering her.
The alleged offences were said to contravene Sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Ominnikoron has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
