The trial of Andrew Ominnikoron, driver of the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) charged with the rape and murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, was on Wednesday stalled due to the absence of the defendant.

When the case was called on Wednesday, the director of public prosecutions, Babajide Martins, informed the court that the prisons service did not bring the inmates to court due to security reasons regarding the commercial motorcycles ban in Lagos.

“I don’t think the defendant’s counsel, Mr Abayomi Omotubora, is here. But we have three witnesses in court. The second prosecution witness who needs to finish his evidence, and two other witnesses are in court,” said Mr Martins. “I humbly request that today’s date be vacated and adjourned to other dates that have already been fixed.”

Following the development, Justice Sherifat Sonaike adjourned the case until June 7 for a continuation of trial.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on May 18, announced a total ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles in six local government areas with effect from June 1.

Following the development and the planned protest by the commercial motorcyclists, the controller of prisons, Adebisi Adewale, directed a temporary suspension of conveying inmates to various courts.

This was due to security reports of a possible breakdown of law and order during the protest, forcing some courts not to sit.

Mr Ominnikoron is standing trial before the Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, rape and murder, preferred against him by the Lagos government.

(NAN)