Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square Annex has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit, BRT driver, to death by hanging on Friday.
Delivering the judgement, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, found him guilty of the brutal murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwola and the sexual assault of two other women.
The charge against Andrew Nice Ominikoron borders on multiple charges of murder, rape, and sexual assault.
Ominikoron was convicted following a high profile trial that attracted public attention since 2022.
The judge pronounced: “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 found guilty of five-count charge filed by the Lagos State Government, comprising one count of murder, two counts of rape, and two counts of conspiracy.
At his arraignment in March 2022, he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The court, however, found overwhelming evidence against him in connection with the tragic death of Bamise, who went missing after boarding a BRT bus he was driving 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.
Aside Bamise’s case, the prosecution presented detailed testimonies and medical reports showing that Ominikoron had also sexually assaulted a medical doctor, Dr. Anosike Victoria, and raped another victim, Maryland Ojiezelu, under similar circumstances.
During the trial of Ominikoron, the court heard from multiple witnesses, including the survivors, 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 the convict to all the crimes.
The trial judge 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.
