Justice Delivered: BRT Driver Sentenced to Death for Murder of 22-Year-Old Bamise Ayanwola

 

A Lagos State High Court has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, the driver of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle involved in the tragic death of 22-year-old fashion designer Bamise Ayanwola, to death by hanging. The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Sherifat Sonaike at the Tafawa Balewa Square courthouse, concluded a deeply disturbing case that sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for safer public transport in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Bamise’s disappearance in February 2022 sent shockwaves across the nation. The young woman had boarded a BRT bus operated by the Lagos State Government with the intention of reaching her destination safely. That journey, however, ended in tragedy. Her lifeless and naked body was later discovered abandoned by the roadside, igniting a storm of protests and demands for justice.

During the trial, prosecutors accused Ominikoron of conspiring with unknown individuals—who are still at large—to assault and murder the victim. The evidence presented before the court painted a harrowing picture of betrayal and brutality. Bamise, full of hope and ambition, had reportedly boarded the BRT at Chevron Bus Stop, Lekki, on her way to Oshodi. She was never seen alive again.

Before her death, Bamise had communicated with a friend via WhatsApp, expressing discomfort about the eerie emptiness of the bus and her unease with the driver’s behavior. Those messages would later serve as a chilling record of her final moments. Her concerns were tragically justified.

After an extensive investigation, law enforcement authorities arrested Ominikoron, who initially pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape and murder. The trial, which drew the attention of civil rights groups and media outlets, exposed glaring lapses in the oversight and monitoring of the BRT system. Advocacy organizations questioned how a public transportation network supposedly designed to ensure commuter safety could so easily become a setting for such a horrific crime.

Justice Sonaike, in her judgment, described the crime as heinous and condemned the driver’s actions as “deliberate and callous.” She emphasized that Ominikoron abused his position of trust, choosing to exploit the system he was employed to serve. Despite his not guilty plea, the evidence against him was overwhelming.

The court noted that not only did the driver assault the young woman, but he also took active steps to conceal the crime. His attempt to escape accountability was thwarted by the thorough work of law enforcement and the persistent advocacy by Bamise’s family and the broader community.

For Bamise’s grieving family, the verdict brought a sense of closure, albeit amid deep sorrow. Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, a family representative expressed both relief and sadness. “This judgment doesn’t bring Bamise back, but it shows that evil will not go unpunished. Her life was precious, and her death will not be in vain,” they said.

Public sentiment has mirrored these emotions. On social media platforms, many Nigerians praised the court’s decision, viewing it as a strong message to perpetrators of violence, particularly against women. However, others have emphasized that the systemic issues that allowed this crime to occur must also be addressed. Security measures on public transport, background checks for drivers, and CCTV monitoring have all come under scrutiny.

Human rights advocates and women’s rights groups have highlighted Bamise’s case as emblematic of a broader crisis. They argue that the safety of women in public spaces remains grossly inadequate and called for urgent reforms.

Lagos State authorities, while yet to issue a detailed post-judgment statement, had earlier pledged to overhaul safety protocols within the BRT system following the incident. However, the extent to which these promises have been implemented remains unclear.

The crime also raised questions about the recruitment and training processes within the BRT system. Ominikoron, entrusted with the duty of transporting passengers safely, instead committed one of the most egregious acts imaginable. The incident served as a grim reminder that policies alone are not enough—strict enforcement and continuous review of operational standards are necessary.

Legal experts have noted that the sentencing aligns with the provisions of Nigerian law, which allows for capital punishment in cases of murder. While the death penalty remains a contentious topic, especially among human rights groups, many believe that in this case, it sends a clear message about the gravity of the offense.

As the court's gavel fell on the final day of trial, the atmosphere in the courtroom was heavy. Some wept. Others stood in solemn silence. For many, this was more than just the conclusion of a legal case; it was a moment of reckoning.

Bamise Ayanwola’s story has left an indelible mark on Lagosians and Nigerians at large. Her face became the symbol of a national movement for justice, and her name will likely be remembered for years as a catalyst for change.

The road ahead for public transport in Nigeria remains uncertain, but with this verdict, there is renewed hope that justice—however delayed—can still be served.