The Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, has sentenced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Delivering judgment that lasted over two and a half hours, Justice Serifat Sonaike ruled that the Lagos State Government, through the prosecution, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court declared that Ominikoron was responsible for Bamise’s death on February 26, 2022.
The judge pronounced: “For the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy upon you.”
Although no eyewitness testified to witnessing the crime, the court relied on circumstantial evidence, the testimony of a pathologist, and the dying declaration of the victim. These pointed to the convict as the last person seen with the deceased.
Ominikoron was also found guilty of raping a 29-year-old woman, Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu, inside his BRT bus on November 25, 2021. The court noted that the convict had a pattern of attacking female passengers, referencing Ozezulu’s testimony and a distressing voice note sent by Bamise shortly before her death.
However, the court discharged Ominikoron of the rape charge involving Bamise, citing medical reports that showed no evidence of penetration or semen, concluding that the rape either did not occur or was not completed. He was instead convicted for attempted rape.
The charge of conspiracy was also struck out, as the prosecution could not prove the involvement of any other individual.
The prosecution team, led by Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, while the defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, pleaded for leniency.
Justice has now been served after years of public outcry and investigations surrounding Bamise’s tragic death.
