The trial of Andrew Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit driver accused of raping and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwole, resumed on Thursday at the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, with Ominikoron opening his defense.
Testifying in court, Ominikoron denied the allegations, asserting that he did not rape or kill Ayanwole. He recounted his employment as a bus captain since September 2021 and described his activities on the day of the incident, February 26, 2022.
He stated that he had completed an afternoon shift and was returning to Oshodi when he picked up Ayanwole and three male passengers illegally—a practice known as "Korokpe."
Ominikoron explained that during the trip, one of the male passengers threatened him with a gun and ordered him to divert his route.
He claimed that when they stopped, Ayanwole screamed for help while being dragged from the bus but that he was powerless to intervene due to the threat posed by the armed passenger.
The prosecution alleges that Ominikoron forcibly had sexual intercourse with Ayanwole before murdering her near the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre. He faces multiple charges including rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder, which contravene several sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The trial has faced delays, including a recent adjournment due to Ominikoron's leg injury sustained in prison.
The case is set to continue on October 21, 2024, for further examination of the defendant's testimony.
