The trial of Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver accused of raping and murdering Oluwabamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer, continued at the Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS). The court heard testimony from Prof. Sunday Soyemi, a pathologist from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), who stated that the cause of Ayanwola's death was severe craniocerebral injury resulting from blunt force trauma.

Ayanwola had gone missing on February 26, 2022, while returning to Ota from Ajah after boarding a BRT bus. Andrew Nice Ominikoron, the defendant and BRT driver, is facing charges of rape, conspiracy, felony, and murder brought against him by the Lagos State Government. The prosecution alleged that Ominikoron conspired with others, who are still at large, to sexually assault Ayanwola without her consent and subsequently murdered her by throwing her out of a moving bus at Cater Bridge.

During the proceedings, Prof. Soyemi provided details of the autopsy conducted on Ayanwola's body. He described the various bruises found on her forehead, temple, and skull, as well as a fracture of the temporal bone. The autopsy also revealed subdural hematoma and deep bruises on her lips. Prof. Soyemi clarified that the presence of a cyst in her right ovary was unrelated to her cause of death. Samples were taken for further examination, including toxicology tests and DNA analysis.

The defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, cross-examined Prof. Soyemi, who confirmed that the information provided by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) did not influence the determination of the cause of death. Following the cross-examination, Omotubora requested the court to recall some of the prosecution's witnesses for further cross-examination. Dr. Babajide Martins, representing the prosecution, opposed the application.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike reserved her ruling on the application to recall witnesses for November 2, 2023. The trial will continue as the court awaits the judge's decision.

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