The Lagos State government on Tuesday arraigned the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, accused of the murder of his 22-year-old passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola before a state high court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
The state, through its Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Jide Martins, docked Omininikoron before Justice Justice Sherifat Sonaike on a four-count charge of conspiracy, murder and two counts of rape.
Martins informed the court that the defendant on November 25, 2021, allegedly raped a 29 year -old lady Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu in Lagos.
The lawyer alleged that the incident took place at about 7 pm, at Lekki- Ajah Conservation centre Lekki Ajah expressway Lagos.
The DPP also claimed that Ominnikoron conspired with others now at large and forcefully had sexual intercourse with his 22-year-old passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, a fashion designer without her consent and murdered her.
Martins said the incident took place on February 25, 2022, at about 8 pm, at Lekki – Ajah Conservation expressway and Cater bridge.
Martins further told the court that the defendant and others still at large on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed one Oluwabamise Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus at Cater bridge after having sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
He maintained that the offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defendant was thereafter remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services pending the conclusion of his trial by Justice Sonaike.
The judge has fixed May 9 for the commencement of trial.
Ayanwola got missing while returning to Ota, in Ogun State from Ajah, in Lagos State on Saturday, February 26 after she boarded a BRT bus with number 240257 going to Oshodi at about 7 pm at Chevron Bus-Stop.
The 22 year old deceased was later found dead on Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, nine days after she was declared missing after she allegedly boarded the defendant’s vehicle.
-
-
-
-
-
-
