Mr. Abayomi Omotubora, the counsel representing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver Andrew Ominikoron, charged with the rape and murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, has sought an extension to file his no-case submission.
Ominikoron is facing a five-count charge, including rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder, brought against him by the Lagos State Government. During the hearing at the Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square on Tuesday, Omotubora informed the court that he had previously expressed his intention to file a no-case submission and clarified that the application was still in the filing stage.
He assured the court that once the filing process was complete, the prosecution would be promptly served. Requesting an adjournment, Omotubora sought additional time to conclude the filing of his application and serve the prosecution.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike granted the request and adjourned the case until February 8 for the continuation of the hearing.
In the initial arraignment, the prosecution alleged that Ominikoron, in conspiracy with others at large, raped and murdered his 22-year-old passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, on February 26, 2022. The prosecution claimed that the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwole without her consent and murdered her between Lekki Ajah expressway and Carter bridge.
Additionally, the defendant was accused of unlawfully killing Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus between Lekki-Ajah expressway and Carter bridge. The prosecution also asserted that Ominikoron raped a 29-year-old lady, Maryjane Odezulu, on November 25, 2021, at Ajah Conservation Centre, Lekki Ajah Expressway, and sexually harassed Dr. Victoria Anuke on the Ketu-Oshodi axis, Lagos, on December 29, 2021.
The charges against the defendant contravene Section 165, Section 223, Section 260, and Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Ominikoron pleaded not guilty to all charges.