By DAYO ADESULU
Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a former Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square for the gruesome murder of 22-year-old fashion designer Bamise Ayanwola.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike delivered the judgement on Friday, finding Ominikoron guilty of the heinous crime. The court relied heavily on the doctrine of “last seen” and the dying declaration of the victim, both of which played a pivotal role in confirming the defendant’s guilt.
Court Convicts Ominikoron on Multiple Counts
Ominikoron faced a five-count charge brought by the Lagos State Government, which included conspiracy to commit felony, rape, sexual assault, and murder. After a rigorous trial process, the court held that the prosecution had effectively established all charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Sonaike, in her verdict, stated:
“The evidence clearly places the defendant as the last person seen with the deceased. The law places a burden on him to account for what happened, which he failed to do satisfactorily. The prosecution has discharged its burden, and the court finds the defendant guilty as charged.”
Timeline of the Tragic Bamise Ayanwola BRT Case
Bamise Ayanwola was last seen alive on February 26, 2022, when she boarded a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron at Chevron Bus Stop in Ajah, Lagos, on her way to Oshodi. Suspicious of the driver’s conduct, Bamise sent alarming voice notes to her friend during the ride.
- Driver Dies in Fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash After Colliding with Truck
- https://www.thecheernews.com/omoyele-sowore-on-political-coalitions-they-are-self-serving-vehicles-for-the-next-set-of-thieves/
Her body was tragically discovered nine days later on Carter Bridge, prompting national outrage and sparking a movement for safer public transport systems in Lagos.
The case immediately drew public attention and criticism over the security lapses within the Lagos BRT system. Human rights advocates and civil society organizations demanded justice for Bamise and stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Justice for Bamise Sparks Public Reactions
The ruling has been widely welcomed by activists and members of the public who followed the high-profile trial since 2022. Many have taken to social media to applaud the judiciary for ensuring that justice prevailed in the face of public pressure and emotional distress.
Legal experts have also commended the reliance on the “last seen” doctrine, noting it as a landmark case reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The doctrine holds that the person last seen with a victim bears the responsibility to explain their fate—especially in cases involving disappearance or death.
Background: Pattern of Assault Allegations
Before the Bamise Ayanwola incident, Ominikoron had also been accused of sexually assaulting another woman in 2021, further darkening his profile and fueling concerns about unchecked misconduct among public transport operators.
Lagos Government Urged to Strengthen Commuter Safety
Following the judgment, safety advocacy groups are calling on the Lagos State Government and transport authorities to implement tighter background checks, real-time monitoring, and accountability mechanisms within the BRT system.
Citizens have also urged the government to equip public buses with CCTV cameras and ensure that all BRT drivers undergo mandatory psychological and security evaluations before recruitment.
Keywords: Andrew Ominikoron sentenced to death, Bamise Ayanwola murder case, Lagos BRT driver death sentence, Tafawa Balewa Square court ruling, last seen doctrine Nigeria, BRT safety reforms, Lagos murder trial #JusticeForBamise, #AndrewOminikoron, #LagosBRT, #BamiseAyanwola, #LagosNews, #NigeriaJudiciary, #CourtRuling, #PublicSafety,
