Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square has ordered the alleged murderer of a BRT passenger to seek new counsel immediately in order to avoid a delay in his trial.
Sonaike claimed that the counsel for Andrew Ominnikoron, the BRT driver accused of killing the 22-year-old female passenger, had frequently failed to appear in court.
The order was issued by the judge following the absence of Ominnikoron’s counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, from court on Thursday.
Ominnikoron is on trial for the rape and murder of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole, a fashion designer.
Sonaike directed the defendant to seek new counsel by the next adjourned date.
“I’ve heard the prosecution; at this point, I’ve directed that the defendant retain counsel and resume his trial on the next adjourned date.”
“If he is unable to obtain legal representation by the next adjourned date, I will direct that the Legal Aid Council 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 appear in court to conduct his trial, and this court strongly condemns it,” Sonaike ruled.
Sonaike, on the other hand, adjourned the case until September 28 for a continuation of the trial.
