BRT DRIVER SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR MURDER OF FASHION DESIGNER
Justice Serifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court on Friday may 2nd sentenced former BRT driver Andrew Nice Ominikoron to death by hanging for the 2022 murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwole. The case, which drew national outrage, concluded with the court finding that the Lagos government proved beyond reasonable doubt that Ominikoron murdered his passenger. In addition to the murder conviction, the court also found Ominikoron guilty of raping another woman, 29-year-old Nneka Ozezulu, in November 2021.
While the court acquitted him of rape in Bamise’s case due to insufficient medical evidence, it convicted him of attempted rape. Justice Sonaike ruled that circumstantial evidence, including Bamise’s last messages and audio recordings, clearly showed non-consensual advances and fear for her life. “For the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead,” the judge declared.
The ruling marks a significant moment in Lagos’s legal battle against gender-based violence, especially involving public transport operators. Ominikoron, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was also cleared of conspiracy due to lack of supporting evidence.
