A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, to death by hanging for the rape and murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike delivered the verdict on Friday, marking the end of a highly publicised and emotionally charged trial that lasted over two years.
Ominikoron was found guilty of conspiring with yet-to-be-identified individuals to rape and kill Bamise, who boarded the BRT bus he was operating in February 2022. She was en route to her destination but was never seen alive again.
Days later, her naked body was discovered abandoned by the roadside, igniting a nationwide outcry and demands for justice across social media and civil society groups.
The accused was arrested soon after and arraigned on charges of rape and murder. Despite pleading not guilty, the court found overwhelming evidence linking him to the crimes.
In her judgement, Justice Sonaike described the act as “heinous and inhumane,” stressing that the punishment served as both retribution and deterrence.
