A Lagos High Court has sentenced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver Andrew Ominikoron to death by hanging for the murder of Bamise Ayanwole.
The court delivered the judgment on Friday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, ending a two-year legal battle over Bamise’s death.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty of multiple charges including murder, attempted rape, rape, and sexual assault.
Ominikoron was convicted for the murder of 22-year-old Bamise, who disappeared after boarding his BRT bus in February 2022.
The court sentenced him to death for the murder of Bamise, 14 years for attempted rape, life for rape, and three years for assault.
The presiding judge said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt using circumstantial evidence and the victim’s dying words.
The court noted that Bamise’s last messages and the driver’s actions after the incident pointed clearly to his guilt.
Ominikoron’s attempt to flee to a remote village after the incident was used by the court to infer a guilty mind.
The defendant was first arraigned in March 2022 on a five-count charge under Lagos criminal laws, including murder and rape.
The prosecution, led by Lawal Pedro SAN, presented nine witnesses before closing its case in November 2023.
Ominikoron testified in his own defence but failed to convince the court of his innocence in Bamise’s murder.
The case of Mary Jane Nwazulu, another victim, also played a role in the judge’s decision to hand down stiff penalties.
Officials said the Lagos government is working to prevent similar abuse by public service workers and protect passengers.
Bamise’s case sparked public outrage and renewed debate about women’s safety in public transportation across Lagos and Nigeria.
The court’s ruling brings closure to Bamise’s family and reinforces the justice system’s role in punishing crimes against women.
Authorities encourage victims of similar incidents to report to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency for support.
