The Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death for the murder of 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
In a ruling that lasted over two and a half hours, Justice Serifat Sonaike found the defendant guilty of the gruesome crime, declaring that the Lagos State Government had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Court Relies on Circumstantial Evidence and Victim’s Dying Declaration
Although there was no direct eyewitness to the incident, the court heavily relied on a combination of circumstantial evidence, a pathologist’s findings, and the chilling voice note sent by the victim before her death on February 26, 2022. Justice Sonaike stated that these pieces of evidence indisputably pointed to Ominikoron as the last person seen with Bamise before her tragic demise.
Pronouncing the judgment, the judge said:
“For the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy upon you.”
Conviction for Rape of Another Female Passenger
In addition to the murder conviction, the court also found Ominikoron guilty of raping a 29-year-old woman, Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu, on November 25, 2021. The court noted that testimonies from Ozezulu and other victims indicated a pattern of sexual assaults committed by the convict against female passengers aboard his BRT bus.
A harrowing voice note sent by Bamise before her death corroborated claims that she did not consent to any sexual act with the driver, further cementing the prosecution’s case.
Attempted Rape Charge in Bamise’s Case
However, regarding the allegation of rape against Bamise, the court noted that medical reports did not confirm sexual penetration or the presence of semen. As a result, the rape charge was downgraded to attempted rape, for which Ominikoron was also found guilty.
Discharge on Conspiracy Charge
The court discharged Ominikoron on the count of conspiracy, stating that the prosecution had failed to substantiate the allegation.
Prosecution and Defence Speak
The Director of Public Prosecution in Lagos, Dr. Babajide Martins, led the state’s legal team, urging the court to impose the maximum penalty. In contrast, defence counsel Abayomi Omotubora pleaded for leniency, asking the court to temper justice with mercy.
Justice for Bamise
The sentencing of Andrew Ominikoron marks a significant moment in the quest for justice for Oluwabamise Ayanwola, whose death sparked public outrage and calls for improved safety on public transportation systems in Lagos.
