*As court fixes May 9 for trial
The Lagos State Government ,on Tuesday, arraigned the driver of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), Andrew Nice Omininikoron, before the Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, following his alleged involvement in rape, conspiracy and murder of his 22-year old passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
The Lagos State Government is prosecuting the BRT driver on a four count-charge.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution DPP, Dr Jide Martins, told Justice Sherifat Sonaike, that on November 25, 2021, Omininikoron allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady, Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu, without her consent.
The DPP added that the incident took place at about 7 pm, at the Lekki- Ajah Conservation centre off the Lekki Ajah expressway in Lagos.
He also told the court that Omininikoron conspired with others now at large and forcefully had sexual intercourse with his 22-year-old passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola, without her consent after which he murdered her.
Martins also disclosed that the rape incident happened on February 25, 2022, at about 8 pm, on the Lekki-Ajah Conservation expressway.
He further informed the court that Omininikoron and others still at large 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.
According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
But when the charge was read to Omininikoron, he pleaded not guilty to the offence against him.
Following his not guilty plea, the DPP asked the court to remand the BRT driver at the Ikoyi Prison and also asked for a trial date.
With no objections from the defence lawyer, Mr Isaac Ezeawem, the court directed that the Omininikoron should be further remanded at the Ikoyi prison.
Justice Sonaike later adjourned the case to May 9, 10 and 11, 2022 for commencement of trial.
