To avoid a delay in his trial, Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square has ordered the alleged murderer of a BRT passenger to immediately seek new counsel.
Sonaike claimed that Andrew Ominnikoron’s counsel, a BRT driver accused of killing a 22-year-old female passenger, had frequently failed to appear in court.
The order was made after Ominnikoron’s counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, failed to appear in court on Thursday.
Ominnikoron is on trial for the rape and murder of a fashion designer, Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole.
Sonaike ordered that the defendant obtain new counsel by the next adjourned date.
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“I’ve listened to the prosecution; at this point, I’ve directed that the defendant retain counsel and continue his trial on the next adjourned date.”
“If he is unable to obtain legal counsel by the next adjourned date, I will direct that his case be taken up by the Legal Aid Council.”
“On several occasions, the defendant’s counsel, Omotubora, has been absent from court.
“This is unfit for a lawyer.” “This Counsel has failed to appear in court to conduct his trial, and this court strongly condemns him,” Sonaike said.
Sonaike, on the other hand, postponed the trial until September 28.
