The Lagos State High Court on Friday sentenced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the rape and murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola, marking the conclusion of one of the most high-profile criminal trials in recent years.
Presiding over the case at the Tafawa Balewa Square Annexe, Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty on multiple charges, including murder, rape, and sexual assault. The judgment followed a two-year legal process during which the Lagos State Government, serving as the prosecution, presented compelling evidence that the accused lured and sexually assaulted his victims using his position as a BRT driver.
Ayanwola, a young fashion designer, was last seen on February 26, 2022, after boarding a BRT bus operated by Ominikoron from Chevron bus stop on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Her disappearance sparked a frantic search that ended in heartbreak when her body was found days later, showing signs of sexual violence. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and protests, with calls for improved safety for women and better regulation of public transport operators.
In her ruling, Justice Sonaike declared: “The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. For the gruesome murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul.”
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Ominikoron was convicted on all five counts, including the rape of two other women—Dr. Anosike Victoria and Maryland Ojiezelu—who testified that he assaulted them under similar circumstances, using his role as a BRT driver to trap and violate them.
During the trial, forensic reports, witness testimonies, and digital evidence—including phone records and surveillance footage—established Ominikoron’s involvement in the crimes. The court noted the consistency in the victims' accounts and the pattern of predatory behavior.
The case not only highlighted glaring gaps in the safety protocols of Lagos’ public transportation system but also intensified pressure on state authorities to enforce stricter regulations. In response to the incident, the Lagos State Government temporarily suspended BRT operations, introduced compulsory background checks for drivers, and initiated plans to install CCTV cameras and tracking devices in buses.
Reacting to the judgment, the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), praised the verdict, saying, “This judgment underscores the seriousness with which we treat crimes of violence, particularly against women. Justice has been served, and we hope it brings some comfort to Bamise’s family.”
The late Ayanwola’s family members, who have tirelessly pursued justice since her death, expressed relief following the sentencing. “We thank the judiciary, the government, and Nigerians who stood with us. This won’t bring Bamise back, but at least the man who did this will face the full consequences,” a family representative said.
Women’s rights advocates and civil society groups also welcomed the ruling, calling it a step forward in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria. “This verdict sends a clear message—there will be accountability. No woman should have to fear for her safety in a public bus,” said one activist with Stand to End Rape (STER).
Ominikoron’s conviction stands as a stark reminder of the importance of security, oversight, and justice in public service environments. As he awaits execution, the impact of his crimes continues to resonate, underscoring the urgent need for societal reforms to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for the voiceless.
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