In a verdict that has reignited national discourse on women’s safety and public accountability, the Lagos High Court on Thursday, May 2, 2025, sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, to death by hanging for the rape and murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwole.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Sherifat Sonaike at the Tafawa Balewa Square courthouse, brought closure to a case that had gripped the nation since 2022…….CONTINUE READING
Oluwabamise Ayanwole was a young fashion designer with a promising future. On February 26, 2022, she boarded a Lagos BRT bus at Chevron Bus Stop, Lekki, heading to Oshodi. The driver of that bus was Andrew Nice Ominikoron.
Shortly after boarding, Bamise reportedly became suspicious of the driver’s behavior and started sending messages and videos to her friend, expressing fear. She never made it to her destination. Days later, her body was discovered in Ebute Ero, Lagos Island—lifeless, with signs of violence.
Following months of investigation, Ominikoron was arraigned on five counts, including rape, murder, and unlawful restraint. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented evidence including forensic analysis, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies, all linking the defendant to the heinous act.
On May 2, 2025, Justice Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Bamise, alongside additional sentences for rape and other charges.
“This court finds the defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The punishment for such a gruesome act must reflect the gravity of the crime,” Justice Sonaike declared.
The ruling sparked a mix of relief and emotional outpouring, especially from women’s rights groups and advocates who had followed the case closely since 2022.
Human rights activist and gender advocate, Aisha Yesufu, tweeted:
“Justice for Bamise is justice for every woman who has felt unsafe in public spaces. May her soul finally rest in peace.”
On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForBamise and #EndTransitViolence began trending shortly after the judgment was announced.
Bamise’s death raised serious concerns about the safety of public transportation in Nigeria, particularly the BRT system that many citizens rely on daily. Following the incident, the Lagos State Government implemented several new measures, including CCTV surveillance in all BRT buses, mandatory identity checks for drivers, and emergency alert systems for passengers.
Still, advocacy groups say more needs to be done. Many are calling for a nationwide transport safety policy, regular driver psych evaluations, and gender-sensitive training for public service operators.
The sentencing of Andrew Ominikoron marks the end of a painful chapter for Bamise’s family and the beginning of a broader conversation on justice, accountability, and safety in Nigeria’s public transport sector. While justice has finally been served in this case, the call for deeper reforms continues.
For a detailed report on the court proceedings, you can watch the following news coverage:
