The absence of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, charged with the rape and murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, stalled his trial on Monday.

Mr Ominikoron, 47, is charged with five counts of rape, conspiracy, sexual assault and murder.

The Lagos State government had accused him of the rape and murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Ms Ayanwole.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel for the defendant, Abayomi Omotubora, told the court that his client was absent due to a leg injury.

He told the court that the defendant fell in the bathroom and sustained an injury on his left leg.

However, the trial judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, summoned a prison warder to explain why the defendant was absent in court.

The warder explained that the defendant sustained an injury on his left leg and was receiving treatment.

The judge ordered Babajide Martins, the director of public prosecutions, to ensure the defendant’s presence in court at the next sitting.

She adjourned the case until October 17 for the continuation of the trial.

The prosecution counsel said the incident occurred on February 26, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., near the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant had forcible sexual intercourse with Ms Ayanwole before killing her.

The prosecution said the offences contravened sections 165, 223, 260 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Mr Ominnikoron pleaded not guilty.

(NAN)