Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver Andrew Ominikoron is on trial for allegedly raping and killing fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwole, age 22. Ominikoron has rejected the charges. In his defense testimony, Ominikoron stated that he did not commit the offenses in front of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square on Thursday.
On February 26, 2022, the defendant, who was promoted to BRT bus captain in September 2021, picked up Bamise and three other male passengers while traveling from Ajah to Oshodi, according to his testimony. The men allegedly attacked Bamise when one of the male passengers pulled a revolver on him and rerouted the vehicle, according to Ominikoron.
According to the prosecution, Ominikoron killed and sexually assaulted Bamise close to the Conservation Center on the Lekki-Ajah Expressway. He has entered a not guilty plea to the accusations of rape, murder, sexual assault, and conspiracy.
The defense played an audio recording that Bamise had made prior to her passing during the trial. Ominikoron stated that he first heard the recording during police interrogations and that he was not aware of it at the time.
Ominikoron also said that while he was being held, the police tortured him and forced him to make statements. He insists that Bamise was attacked by the three male passengers, not by him. He also refuted earlier claims that he had raped other women.
It has been decided to postpone the trial until October 21, 2024.
