Andrew Ominikoron, a former driver for the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, currently facing charges for allegedly raping and murdering Oluwabamise Ayanwole, a 22-year-old fashion designer, narrated the events surrounding his arrest in court.
The case, brought by the Lagos State Government, involves accusations of rape, conspiracy, sexual assault, and murder. Ominikoron was first arraigned in March 2022 at the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, for the incident that occurred on February 26, 2022, along the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Expressway.
Testifying in his defense before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, Ominikoron recounted that he was apprehended at 1 a.m. while sleeping in Ososa, Ogun State. He claimed he was awoken by a knock at the door, and upon opening it, he encountered individuals who identified themselves as officers.
I did not rape nor kill Bamise – BRT driver
According to him, one officer shone a torchlight in his face, slapped him on the ear, causing him to fall. They then showed him pictures of two women, accusing him of kidnapping one of them on his bus. Ominikoron initially denied knowing the first woman but admitted recognizing the second.
He described being physically assaulted, blindfolded, handcuffed, and placed in a vehicle along with his friend and his work bag. He was taken to an undisclosed location where, he claimed, a senior officer urged him to “tell the truth” about the incident, promising his release in return. Despite explaining what he said had happened on the day of the incident, Ominikoron alleged he was taken to a torture room, where his legs and hands were restrained, and he was interrogated further.
“They told me I kidnapped someone, and I said no, but they refused to believe me. I was still being tortured, and I pleaded that the pain was much and unbearable, then I passed out,” he recounted, adding that officers revived him by pouring water on him. He also alleged that he was denied water when he requested it and was subsequently locked in a cell.
According to Ominikoron, he was brought out for questioning every 10 to 15 minutes until around 4 a.m. He was later transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) office, where he encountered his Managing Director (MD) along with other staff members from LAMATA.
As the trial progresses, Ominikoron continues to defend himself against the serious allegations, maintaining his innocence in the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwole.
