Admin I Friday, May 02, 2025
TBS, Lagos – Andrew Nice Omonikoro, who was a driver in the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, operated by the LAGOS State Government has been sentenced to death by hanging.
The former BRT driver was sentenced by Justice Sherifay Sonaike for the murder of 22 year old Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who was sexually assaulted, raped and murdered while riding on the BRT bus from Lekki and pushed out of the bus at Adeniji bus stop on the Lagos Island.
While sentencing him, the judge declared “For the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul.”
Ominikoron was put in tri on five-count charge, made up of one count of murder, two counts of rape, and two counts of conspiracy.
He entered a “not guilty plea”to all the charges when arraigned in March 2022.
The court, however, found overwhelming evidence against him in connection to the tragic death of Oluwabamise, who went missing after boarding a BRT bus from Chevron Bus Stop on the Lekki-Ajah expressway on February 26, 2022.
Her body was discovered days later sparking outrage, protests, and widespread calls for justice.
In addition to Bamise’s case, the prosecution presented detailed testimonies and medical reports showing that Ominikoron also sexually assaulted a medical doctor, Dr. Anosike Victoria, and raped another victim, Maryland Ojiezelu, under similar circumstances in the BRT bus he was driving.
During the course of the trial, the court heard from multiple witnesses, including the surviving victims, law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and forensic experts.
The prosecution tendered physical and documentary evidence, including CCTV footage, call logs, and medical examination reports linking Ominikoron to the crimes.
Justice Sonaike held that the evidence presented was “credible, consistent, and compelling,” stating that the defendant took advantage of his position as a BRT driver to prey on unsuspecting female passengers.
Bamise’s murder, in particular, triggered national concern over the safety of public transportation in Lagos and raised questions about the security systems in place on the BRT network.
The court’s ruling is seen as a significant moment in Nigeria’s criminal justice system and a stern warning to perpetrators of gender-based violence.
Ominikoron now awaits execution, while rights groups and members of the public have praised the judgment as a victory for justice and a step toward greater protection for women.
