By Lukman Olabiyi
The seventh prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of a Lagos bus driver of Bus Rapid Transit, Andrew Ominikoron, accused of killing Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole, yesterday in his testimony to the State High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), that the case was originally reported as a kidnapping case.
Mr. Goddy Ihende, a Police Superintendent, who gave testimony in the case before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, said it was in the process of investigating the case that they later discovered that it was not a case of kidnap, but a case of murder when the case went viral. He stated this while being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Mr Abayomi Omotubora.
Ominnikoron is facing a five-count charge bordering on rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government. The prosecution told the court that Ominnikoron conspired with others, now at large, to rape and murder his 22-year-old passenger, Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole.
It said the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwole without her consent and murdered her, at about 7pm, between Lekki Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge, on February 26, 2022.
The prosecution also said the defendant, on November 25, 2021, allegedly raped a 29-year-old lady, Maryjane Odezulu, without her consent. The incident took place at about 8pm, at Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre, Lagos. The prosecutor said the offences committed are contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. However, the 47-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.
The witness said after the discovery, he and his boss, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Razak Oseni, went to the Directorate of State Security (DSS) office and took over the case.
Asked how he got to know that the case was with the DSS, he said, “I don’t know how my commissioner of police got to know that it was with the DSS.” When asked if he knew that the case was already reported at the Ebute- Ero Police division, he said yes, adding that a passerby reported the case at the station.
Asked if he could name the police officer who investigated the case at Ebute-Ero Police Station, he said, “I can’t remember the name of the IPO, but his rank is ASP. I am the team leader. On whether he took a statement from the complainant, Ihende said it was not in his position to obtain a statement from the complainant.
Further hearing in the case has been fixed for December 5.