By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Lagos State Government,on Tuesday,arraigned the driver of a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), Andrew Nice Omininikoron, before the State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan.
He was arraigned on a four-count bordering on rape, conspiracy and murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Jide Martins, told Justice Sherifat Sonaike, that on November 25, 2021, the defendant allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady, Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu, without her consent.
He said that the incident happened at about 7pm, at Lekki- Ajah Conservation centre, off the Lekki-Ajah Expressway.
The DPP also told the court that Omininikoron conspired with others now at large, to forcefully had sexual intercourse with his 22-year-old passenger, Ayanwola, without her consent and later murdered her.
Martins said the rape incident happened on February 25, 2022, at about 8pm, on the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Expressway.
He said that the defendant and others still at large on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed 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 offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
When all the counts were read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
Following his plea, the DPP asked the court to remand the defendant at Ikoyi prison and also asked for a trial date.
Counsel to the accused Mr Isaac Ezeawem did not object the request.
Ruling, Justice Soniake ordered that the defendant should be remanded at the Ikoyi prison and adjourned the case to May 9, 10 and 11, 2022, for commencement of trial.
