The Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced BRT driver Andrew Nice Ominikoron to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola and the sexual assault of two other women.
The presiding judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty of murder, rape, and sexual assault after a high-profile trial.
Ominikoron pleaded not guilty while facing a five-count charge filed by the Lagos State Government, including one count of murder, two counts of rape, and two counts of conspiracy.
He was linked to Bamise’s death through CCTV footage, call logs, and medical reports. She had gone missing on February 26, 2022, after boarding a BRT bus he was driving, and her body was discovered days later, sparking nationwide outrage.
The court also discovered he raped Maryland Ojiezelu and sexually assaulted Dr. Anosike Victoria in similar incidents.
Justice Sonaike found the evidence to be clear and consistent, establishing that Ominikoron had exploited his position to prey on female passengers. Convinced that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, she sentenced him to death by hanging.
The Prosecution was led by Director Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, Mr. Moshood Olateju, Mr. Alaba Kuku and Ms. Tolu Onilado.
The judgment has been hailed as a landmark ruling and a step forward in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.