A Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square has scheduled March 3 for the adoption of final written addresses in the trial of Andrew Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver accused of sexually assaulting and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike set the date after defence counsel Abayomi Omotubora was absent once again. This marks the third adjournment due to the defence’s absence, with previous postponements on November 29, 2024, and January 30, 2025, both at Omotubora’s request.
Ominikoron, who was arraigned in March 2022, faces charges including rape, conspiracy, sexual assault, and murder.
Prosecutors allege he conspired with unidentified individuals to sexually assault and kill Ayanwola on February 26, 2022, between Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge. He is also accused of raping another woman, Maryjane Odezulu, at Lekki Conservation Centre on November 25, 2021.
The state argues that these acts violate Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Lagos State Criminal Law (2015). However, Ominikoron maintains his innocence, claiming that three unidentified male passengers were responsible for Ayanwola’s assault and fatal ejection from the moving bus.
With final addresses set for adoption on March 3, the trial moves closer to resolution.
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