Justice Served: BRT Driver Gets Death Penalty For Sexual Assault, Murder

In a landmark judgment delivered at the Tafawa Balewa Square, the Lagos State High Court has sentenced BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) driver Andrew Nice Ominikoron to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike also found Ominikoron guilty of the rape and sexual assault of two other women in separate incidents.

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The verdict concludes a highly publicised trial that followed the disappearance of Ayanwola on February 26, 2022, after she boarded a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron. Her body was discovered days later, igniting widespread public outrage and calls for justice.

Despite pleading not guilty to the five-count charge brought by the Lagos State Government – which included one count of murder, two counts of rape, and two counts of conspiracy – the court found compelling evidence linking Ominikoron to the crimes. The evidence included CCTV footage, call logs, and medical reports.

Justice Sonaike stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution was clear, consistent, and irrefutable, demonstrating that Ominikoron had abused his position of trust to target and victimize female passengers.

The court also found him guilty of raping Maryland Ojiezelu and sexually assaulting Dr. Anosike Victoria in similar circumstances.

“The prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Sonaike affirmed before delivering the death sentence by hanging.

The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, alongside Mr. Moshood Olateju, Mr. Alaba Kuku, and Ms. Tolu Onilado.

This judgment has been widely applauded as a significant victory in the ongoing battle against gender-based violence in Nigeria and underscores the commitment of the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable.