The Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has on Tuesday fixed May 9, for the commencement of trial of the driver of the Bus Rapid Transport, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, over the alleged murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
This is after the Lagos State Government arraigned the driver on four counts bordering on rape, conspiracy and murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution DPP, Dr Jide Martins, said that the defendant and others had on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed Oluwabamise Ayanwola by throwing her out of a moving bus at Carter bridge after having sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
He said that the incident took place about 7 pm, at the Lekki- Ajah Conservation centre off the Lekki Ajah expressway in Lagos
He also told Justice Sherifat Sonaike, that on November 25, 2021, the defendant allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady, Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu, without her consent.
According to the prosecutor, the offences committed is contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
When all the counts were read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
Following his plea, the DPP asked the court to order a further remand of the defendant at the Ikoyi prison. He also asked for a trial date.
With no objections from the defence counsel, Mr Isaac Ezeawem, the court ordered that the defendant should be further remanded at the Ikoyi prison.
Justice Sonaike subsequently adjourned the case to May 9, 10 and 11, 2022 for commencement of trial.