BRT – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS COURT SENTENCES OMINIKORON TO DEATH FOR THE MURDER OF OLUWABAMISE AYANWOLA

Posted on May 3, 2025

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.

PRESS STATEMENT

Posted on November 20, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE LATE OLUWABAMISHE AYANWOLA COURT PROCEEDINGS THE STATE OF LAGOS V ANDREW NICE OMINIKORON – CHARGE NO LD/18316C/2022 As we approach the first post-humous birthday of Oluwabamishe Ayanwola, the Lagos State Government again empathizes with the family on the incident that led to the untimely death of their loved one. The Government wishes to reiterate that it will, through the Ministry of Justice, leave no stone unturned in ensuring the diligent prosecution of the Defendant- Andrew Nice Ominikoron. Towards fulfilling this obligation, the Defendant was arrested by the Police on the 7th of March, 2022. A five-count charge, which includes the offences of Murder, Rape, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and Sexual Assault, was preferred against the Defendant and he has since been arraigned before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the High Court of Lagos State on 22nd of March 2022. In the proof of evidence, the State lined up nine (9) witnesses to testify. Trial commenced on the 9th of May, 2022 and from the time of arraignment till date, the case has come up eleven (11) times. The State has called seven (7) witnesses with thirteen (13) exhibits tendered. PW7 whose examination-in-chief was concluded on 31st day of October, 2022 is now being cross examined by defence counsel and the case stands adjourned till 5th of December, 2022 for continuation of trial. The prosecuting team is being led by the Honourable Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to underscore the importance and priority given to the case by the State. The family of Oluwabamishe Ayanwola is represented by Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana or counsel from his chambers. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, also sends a legal team to observe the proceedings. Remarkable progress has been made in the matter and the State has demonstrated its readiness and determination to ensure the matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion by ensuring that all its witnesses are available and ready to testify. Between date of arraignment (March 2022) till date, 7 witnesses out of 9 have testified. The family of the deceased as well as members of the public are hereby assured that the trial of the Defendant is ongoing and the Lagos State government will not relent in its effort to ensure that justice is speedily served in the case. Dated this 20th November, 2022 T.K. SHITTA-BEY (MS) Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Justice