Late Bamise And Her Alleged Killer, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, BRT Driver, Photo By Sahara Reporters
Justice Sherifat Sonaike of Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) High Court of Lagos State , has fixed May 2, for judgment in the case of murder of the late fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola, who was allegedly killed by a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver, Andrew Nice Ominikoron.
Andrew Nice is facing four counts of alleged conspiracy, rape and the murder of the 22 years old.
He was alleged to have committed the offence on February 26, 22, on the Lekki-Ajah Conservation expressway, Lagos State.
Before adjourning for judgment today, The presiding judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, had taken final addresses of both parties, which were adopted by their counsel.
The defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, while adopting his written address, said the prosecution has woefully failed to place any material evidence to establish the Ingredients of the offences. He said the State has only proved that Miss. Ayanwola died, but has failed in proving that it was the specific act of the defendant that led to her death.
According to him, “Someone else other than the defendant raped and threw her out of the bus, resulting in blunt force trauma which led to her death.”
He added that the prosecution has not established anything except mere suspicion and a doubtful gesture against the defendant.
Concerning the Other counts of rape and attempted rape of two women (names withheld) previously, Omotubora said the evidence of the prosecution is nothing but a concoction of falsehood and hearsay, which is inadmissible and lacking corroboration to secure a conviction.
In his adoption, the director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, said even though corroboration is not needed to secure a rape conviction, the State has tendered the needed evidence including the clothes of one of the victims and that evidence of the police officers who took the statement of the other victim isn’t hearsay.
He also urged the court to find Andrew Nice guilty of murder, as he was the last person seen with the deceased.
The DPP argued that the defendant fled to Ososa, Ogun State, where he was arrested rather than file a complaint at the police station or at his office to prove his innocence that it was other occupants of the bus that raped the deceased and pushed her out of the bus, as claimed.
Also, Citing section 34 of the Evidence act, the prosecutor urged the court to ascribe probative value to the voice note the deceased made in the bus which she shared with her friend, where she expressed concern for her safety that night.
Justice Sonaike after hearing both counsel, fixed May 2 to deliver judgement.
