Bamise: Lagos Govt Expresses Satisfaction With BRT Driver Conviction

The Lagos State Government has expressed satisfaction with the conviction and sentencing of Andrew Nice Ominikoron, the BRT driver found guilty of the rape and murder of 22-year-old Bamise Ayanwole.

A statement issued by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, confirmed that Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court found the defendant guilty on all counts.

The court sentenced Ominikoron to death by hanging for the murder of Bamise, 14 years’ imprisonment for attempted rape, life imprisonment for the rape of another victim, Mary Jane Nwazulu, and three years’ imprisonment for the sexual assault of Dr Victoria Anosike.

The verdict marks the end of a high-profile trial that began in May 2022 after the defendant was arraigned in March of the same year.

He was charged with five counts, including rape, conspiracy to commit rape, murder, and sexual assault—offences punishable under various provisions of the Lagos State Criminal Law.

Despite the absence of direct eyewitnesses, the prosecution relied on strong circumstantial evidence and the dying declaration of the late Bamise to build its case. The court held that Ominikoron’s decision to flee to a remote village and his failure to report the incident to his employer were clear indicators of guilt.

“The Defendant was arraigned on the 22nd of March 2022 on a five-count charge of Rape, Conspiracy to commit Rape, Murder and Sexual Assault contrary to Sections 260, 411, 233, 223 & 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

“The trial commenced on the 9th of May, 2022. The prosecution called 9 witnesses and closed its case on the 9th of November 2023. The defendant opened his case and testified for himself.

“The Court, in arriving at its judgment considered the case of the prosecution and held that although no eyewitness directly saw Ominikoron commit the acts, circumstantial evidence and the victim’s dying declaration pointed clearly to his guilt.

“Furthermore, the defendant’s refusal to report the matter to his office and running away to a remote village before his arrest showed a guilty mind, which assisted the court in arriving at its conclusion,” Pedro stated.

He emphasised that the Lagos State Government has since implemented measures to prevent similar incidents within its transportation system.

“The state government has put in place measures to prevent the likes of the defendant, who may want to use his position as a government-employed driver to create an environment to lure unsuspecting young female passengers and have non-consensual sexual intercourse with them,” Pedro said.

The court also observed the disturbing pattern of offences committed by the convict within a short time frame, suggesting the possibility of more victims.

In response, the state has called on the affected individuals to seek help from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), assuring them of anonymity and protection during prosecution.

“As observed by the judge, the fact that the defendant committed these offences within a three-month interval shows that there may be more victims who, because of shame, failed to come forward.

“The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, established by the state government, is open to such victims, and the protection of their identity from members of the public is guaranteed during prosecution of the perpetrators,” the Attorney General added.

Bamise was last seen on February 26, 2022, after boarding a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron at Ajah.

Her disappearance sparked widespread outrage and a frantic search. Her lifeless body was discovered nine days later on Carter Bridge, Lagos Island.

Bamise: Lagos Govt Expresses Satisfaction With BRT Driver Conviction is first published on The Whistler Newspaper