Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, on Thursday, ordered the Bus Rapid Transit vehicle driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, who allegedly raped and murdered 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwola, to get another lawyer for the continuation of his trial.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike made the order following the absence of the defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora.
“I have listened to the Attorney-General, and considering the face of the charge, I shall be directing at this stage that the defendant should avail himself a lawyer to continue to conduct his trial on the next adjourned date.
“If he is unable to avail himself a lawyer on the next adjourned date, I will direct that the Legal Aid Council should take up his case.
“The defendant’s counsel, Omotubora, has been absent from court on several occasions,” the judge in her ruling said.
Quest Times gathered Omotubora has been absent from court five consecutive times.
However, when the court asked the defendant the whereabouts of his counsel, Ominnikoron said, “I was not able to reach him. I am not aware that my counsel will not be in court today.”
The case was however adjourned till September 28 for the continuation of the trial.
Omininikoron is facing four counts of conspiracy, rape, and murder of Ayanwola contrary to and punishable under sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.