The trial of Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver accused of killing 22-year-old tailor Oluwabamise Ayanwola, has faced another delay due to the illness of his counsel, Abayomi Omotubora.
When the case was called, Omotubora was absent, and his representative, P.O. Idogun, sought an adjournment, citing Omotubora’s critical health and inability to bring two witnesses.
Idogun expressed regret but highlighted his wish to proceed if the witnesses had been present.
Prosecution counsel T.E. Onilado objected to the delay, noting the case had already experienced multiple adjournments and that inquiries had come from the Governor of Lagos State regarding the delays.
Onilado called for the court to close the defendant’s case.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike refused the adjournment and closed the defendant’s case, referencing the ten prior adjournments since the prosecution closed its case on October 20, 2023.
The judge insisted that the defence had ample opportunity to present their case.
Justice Sonaike ordered both parties to file written addresses, with Omotubora required to do so within 21 days and the prosecution to respond by January 29, 2025.
The case is adjourned until January 30, 2025, for the adoption of these addresses.
