A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu government over the arraignment of a Bus Rapid Transport driver, Andrew Omininikoron, the prime suspect in the horrific murder of a passenger, Bamise Ayanwola.

The senior lawyer, in a statement, on Tuesday, asked the government to apologise to the family of the deceased and pay them N100m compensation.

“I commend the Governor of Lagos State and the Honourable Attorney-General of the State, for the speed with which they have handled this matter so far. The quality of legal representation, through the well-experienced Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Babajide Martins, is a testimony of the commitment of the government to do justice to the case. This is how it should be done, in all cases where the lives of citizens have become endangered.” He commended

However, May 9 has been fixed at Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square for the commencement of the trial of Omininikoro after the Lagos government arraigned the driver on four counts bordering on rape, conspiracy and murder of his passenger, Ayanwola.

The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Jide Martins, also told Justice Sherifat Sonaike, that on November 25, 2021, the defendant allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady, Nneka Ozezulu, without her consent.

He said the incident took place about 7pm, at Lekki- Ajah Conservation centre off the Lekki Ajah expressway in Lagos.

The DPP likewise told the court that Ayanwola conspired with others (now at large) and forcibly had sexual intercourse with his 22-year-old Ayanwola, without her consent after which he murdered her.

Recall that the rape incident happened on February 25, 2022, about 8pm, on Lekki-Ajah Conservation expressway.

Martins further 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 raping her.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed are contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The judge subsequently ordered that the defendant be further remanded at the Ikoyi prison and adjourned the case to May 9, 10 and 11, 2022 for commencement of trial.