A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square on Friday, May 3, 2025, sentenced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike, delivering a landmark judgment, found Ominikoron guilty on multiple counts including murder, rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault—offences he committed while operating as a public transport driver.
Details of Conviction:
Ominikoron was convicted and sentenced as follows:
- Count One (Rape of Nneka Udezulu): Life imprisonment.
- Count Three (Attempted rape of Ayanwola): 14 years imprisonment.
- Count Five (Sexual assault of Dr. Victoria Anosike): Three years imprisonment.
- Count Four (Murder of Ayanwola): Death by hanging.
In her judgment, Justice Sonaike emphasized that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The voice note recorded by the deceased and sent to a friend during the BRT ride was admitted as a dying declaration. This, along with testimonies of other victims and Ominikoron’s suspicious conduct after the incident—including fleeing to a remote village—sealed the court’s conclusion of guilt.
Describing the defendant as a serial rapist, the judge noted that he repeatedly targeted vulnerable passengers in isolated areas and committed acts of rape and assault under the guise of his employment.
“This case is an eye-opener. There is a dire need for the Lagos State Government to overhaul its recruitment and vetting processes for public transport drivers to prevent such tragedies in future,” the judge remarked.
Justice Sonaike condemned the defendant’s use of his employment to exploit and violate unsuspecting women, describing it as “an unforgivable crime.” She added that his expression of regret during trial was a feeble attempt to curry sympathy from the court.
The Lagos State Government had brought a five-count charge against Ominikoron bordering on conspiracy, rape, attempted rape, and murder, pursuant to Sections 223, 260, 165, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecution team presented nine witnesses, including surviving victims, while the defendant testified as the sole witness for his defence.
This judgment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, especially in securing justice for victims of sexual violence and femicide.
