The alleged killer of a BRT passenger has been ordered by Justice Sherifat Sonaike of a Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square to immediately retain new legal representation to prevent any delays in his trial.
Sonaike claimed that Andrew Ominnikoron, a BRT driver who is accused of killing a 22-year-old female passenger, frequently skipped court appearances.
The judge issued the directive without Ominnikoron’s attorney, Abayomi Omotubora, appearing in court on Thursday.
Ominnikoron is a standing trial for the rape and murder of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole, a fashion designer.
Sonaike instructed the defendant to get new counsel by the next adjourned date.
“I’ve listened to the prosecution; I have directed at this stage that the defendant should avail himself of a counsel to continue his trial on the next adjourned date.
If he’s unable to avail himself of a lawyer on the next adjourned date, I will direct that the Legal Aid Council should take up his case.
The defendant’s counsel, Omotubora, has been absent from court on several occasions.
This is unbecoming of a lawyer. This particular Counsel has failed to come to court to conduct his trial, and this court strongly condemns it,” Sonaike held.
Sonaike, however, adjourned the case until September 28 for a continuation of trial.
