Kemisola Oye
A Police Officer, Jennifer Ujumanim, who investigated the case of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, has given an account of her investigation before a Lagos High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
The Investigation Police Officer (IPO) narrated to Justice Sherifat Shonaike how she carried out a detailed investigation of a BRT driver, Ominikoron, who allegedly murdered a 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamishe Ayanwole, who boarded his BRT bus.
Ominnikoron is facing a five-count charge bordering on rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State government.
The prosecution told the court that Ominnikoron conspired with others (now at large) to rape and murder the deceased passenger.
The prosecution had alleged that the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwole without her consent and murdered her at about 7 pm, between Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge, on 26 February 2022.
The defendant and his accomplice were said to have killed the passenger by throwing her out of a moving bus between Lekki-Ajah Expressway and Carter Bridge.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendant on 25 November 2021, also had sexual intercourse with a 29-year-old lady, Maryjane Odezulu, without her consent.
The incident took place at about 8 pm, at Lekki- Ajah Conservation Centre Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.
His offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
However, the 47-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the Lagos State government.
Meanwhile, the IPO told the court that she visited the scenes of the crime with the defendant who took them en route from Ajah to Oshodi where he began the journey. The IPO was led in- evidence by the prosecution team led by Dr. Babajide Martins, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. M. A. Olateju and Mr. Alaba Kuku.
The witness further told the court that she was the IPO of Team F in the Homicide Section that handled the suspect case when it was transferred from the Ebute-Ero Police Division.
The woman police officer told the court that, “the case was transferred sometime in March 2022 to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) after the defendant was already in their office.”
However, when she was cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Mr. Abayomi Omotubora, the witness, told the court that the defendant was arrested by the DSS somewhere in Ogun State, in his hideout.
She narrated to the court that she considered that the deceased died at the foot of the Carter Bridge at Ogogoro Village, the point where the defendant said he lost her.
When she was asked if she visited the scene and asked people living in the area questions, the Police Officer responded that they carried out a physical visit in the area.
“Nobody lived in that area. She was dropped off by a moving vehicle. Passers-by tried to revive her with water. The defendant took us en route from Ajah to Oshodi and he showed us where he picked the deceased. We came back to Chevron. He showed us where he picked the lady. We proceeded to Agungi Bus Stop. He told us how he took other passengers.
“He said it was at the bus stop when they pointed a gun at him while the bus was in motion. He claimed that they diverted him toward Ogogoro Village to take Carter Bridge. Just at the foot of the bridge, he showed us where the lady was dumped.
“He said he lost her at that point. We then proceeded to Oshodi where he drove out of the vehicle in the first place. We inquired and he took us to 7up where he eventually parked the vehicle. Then we brought him back to the station.”
The witness confirmed that he made mention of the narration in his statement. She also told the court that the defendant was confronted with the voice note and he said he was not aware.
The witness further told the court that the defendant already narrated the story and they (officers) began to ask him more questions. “It was based on his narration, that in that manner, we obtained his statement. I discussed it with him in English and he was duly cautioned. Most questions were put to him by OC Homicide and at the interval, my team leader, Godday Ihenden would ask salient questions.”
After listening to the testimony of the IPO, Justice Sonaike subsequently adjourned further hearing to 3rd May 2023.
Eighteen-Eleven Media