Aaior K. Comfort

Andrew Ominikoron, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver accused of raping and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwole, has denied the allegations in his ongoing trial. Testifying in his defense on Thursday before the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, Ominikoron claimed he did not commit the crimes.

The defendant, who became a BRT bus captain in September 2021, testified that on February 26, 2022, he picked Bamise and three other male passengers on his route from Ajah to Oshodi. According to Ominikoron, one of the male passengers later pulled a gun on him and diverted the bus, during which Bamise was allegedly attacked by the men.

The prosecution alleges that Ominikoron raped and murdered Bamise near the Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway. He faces charges of rape, conspiracy, sexual assault, and murder, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.

During the trial, the defense played an audio recording made by Bamise before her death. Ominikoron claimed he was unaware of the recording at the time, stating he first heard it during police interrogations.

Ominikoron also alleged that he was tortured by the police during his time in custody, claiming his statements were made under duress. He maintains that the three male passengers were responsible for the attack on Bamise, not him. He further denied previous allegations of rape involving other women.

The trial has been adjourned until October 21, 2024, for the continuation of the defense’s case.