Justice Served: BRT Driver Sentenced to Death for the Rape and Murder of 22-Year-Old Bamise Ayanwola
In a landmark judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court, sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square annex, sentenced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
The court found Ominikoron guilty on multiple counts, including murder, rape, and conspiracy. He was convicted of the murder of Bamise, a young fashion designer who went missing after boarding a BRT bus he was driving, and later found dead.
In addition, he was convicted of the sexual assault of Dr. Victoria Anosike and the rape of Maryland Ojiezelu, both of which formed part of the five-count charge brought against him by the Lagos State Government.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, the court ruled that the prosecution had presented compelling evidence proving his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Sonaike described the case as “a harrowing reminder of the dangers women face” and emphasized that the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to crimes of such heinous nature.
The judgment brings closure to a case that sparked public outrage and renewed calls for improved safety for women in public transportation.