The Lagos State High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, has sentenced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver Andrew Ominikoron to death by hanging for the 2022 murder of 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
EpeInsights gathered that Justice Serifat Sonaike while delivering the judgment, which lasted over two and half hours, stated that the prosecution successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found that Ominikoron was the last person seen with the victim before her body was discovered.
“For the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy upon you,” Justice Sonaike ruled.
Although there were no direct eyewitnesses, the court relied on circumstantial evidence, a pathologist’s report, and Bamise’s dying declaration. One key piece of evidence was a voice note Bamise recorded shortly before her death, expressing fear for her life while inside the BRT bus.
In addition to the murder charge, Ominikoron was also convicted of raping a 29-year-old passenger, Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu, in a separate incident that occurred on November 25, 2021.
The court noted a disturbing pattern in the defendant’s actions, with testimonies from multiple victims indicating a history of sexual assault aboard the BRT.
However, the court discharged Ominikoron of the rape charge in Bamise’s case due to insufficient medical evidence of penetration or the presence of semen. Instead, he was found guilty of attempted rape based on credible evidence, including Bamise’s voice note indicating a lack of consent.
The court also cleared the defendant of conspiracy charges, citing a lack of proof.
The prosecution, led by Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution Dr. Babajide Martins, requested the maximum sentence. In contrast, the defense, represented by Abayomi Omotubora, pleaded for leniency.
