In what can be regarded as justice against a wicked act in 2022, Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square Annexe, Lagos, has sentenced a randy Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Ominikoron was arraigned on a five-count charge of murder, conspiracy, and rape, in connection with the death of Bamishe , as well as the sexual assault of Dr. Anosike Victoria and the rape of one Maryland Ojiezelu.
Delivering a landmark judgment on Friday, Justice Sonaike held that the Lagos State Government, which prosecuted the case, had successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The judge said, “For the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy upon you.”
Incidentally, the randy BRT driver had pleaded not guilty to all charges during trial
The convict was tried on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, rape, murder, and sexual assault, brought against him by the Lagos State Government.
According to the charges, the incident occurred on February 26, 2022, around 7 pm, near the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.
The prosecution said that Ominikoron had forcibly had sexual intercourse with Bamishe before murdering her.
The offences contravened Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Bamise was last seen on February 26, 2022, after she boarded a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron in the Ajah area of Lagos.
Her disappearance triggered widespread outrage and a city-wide search.
Her body was later discovered nine days later on Carter Bridge, Lagos Island.
During the trial, the State called 11 witnesses who testified against the convict.
The convict who opened his defence on October 17, 2024, denied raping nor killing Bamishe.
Ominikoron, who was led in his defence by his lawyer, Abayomi Omotubora, told the court that he picked the late Bamishe at Chevron, and at Agungi, he picked three male passengers.
According to him, one of the male passengers was coming forward, and he thought it was to pay him, but then the passenger threw something at his head and showed him a gun, asking him to cooperate.
