The Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has convicted and sentenced to death, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, for the murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike held that the prosecution successfully proved its case, relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the victim’s dying declaration to establish Ominikoron’s guilt.
Ominikoron faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy to commit a felony, rape, sexual assault, and murder. He was found guilty on all counts.
The case captured national attention in 2022 after Bamise went missing on February 26, following her boarding of a BRT bus operated by Ominikoron at the Ajah area of Lagos. Her mysterious disappearance ignited public outrage, social media campaigns, and demands for justice.
Nine days later, her body was tragically discovered dumped under Carter Bridge on Lagos Island.
Throughout the trial, the court heard harrowing testimony and reviewed evidence linking the driver directly to the crime. The judgment underscores the growing demand for accountability in cases of violence against women in Nigeria.
The sentencing marks a significant moment in the country’s legal response to gender-based violence, with activists and the public hailing the verdict as a step toward justice for victims.
