Court Sentences BRT Driver to Death by Hanging for Murder of Fashion Designer Bamise Ayanwola

A Lagos State High Court has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a former driver for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, to death by hanging for the rape and murder of 22-year-old fashion designer Oluwabamise Ayanwola.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike delivered the judgment on Friday, May 2, at the Tafawa Balewa Square annex of the Lagos High Court, bringing an end to a case that sparked national outrage and renewed calls for improved safety in public transportation.

Bamise had boarded a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron on February 26, 2022, at the Chevron area of Lagos Island. She was later declared missing, and her lifeless body was found days after in Ebute Ero, Lagos, triggering a wave of protests and public condemnation.

The prosecution proved during trial that Ominikoron raped and murdered the young woman inside the bus. The court found him guilty on multiple counts, including rape and murder, and imposed the maximum penalty under Nigerian law—death by hanging.

In delivering the sentence, Justice Sonaike said, “The prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant is guilty as charged and shall be hanged by the neck until he is dead.”

The court also condemned the abuse of trust and responsibility by a public service operator. The tragic case led the Lagos State Government to reevaluate security protocols for public transportation, including pledges to install CCTV cameras in BRT buses.

Family members of the deceased expressed relief at the ruling, describing it as a long-awaited justice for Bamise, who was described as vibrant, hardworking, and full of promise before her untimely death.