Bamise’s Family Makes New Demands After BRT Driver’s Conviction

The family of 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola, who was tragically murdered by Bus Rapid Transit driver Andrew Ominikoron, has urged the government to apprehend all those involved in their daughter’s death.

Bamise was last seen on February 26, 2022, after boarding a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron at the Ajah area of Lagos, which led to widespread public concern and a search effort. Nine days later, her lifeless body was found on Carter Bridge in Lagos Island.

After a lengthy legal battle, Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court sentenced Ominikoron to death by hanging on Friday, following his conviction for Bamise’s murder. The court found him guilty based on the “last seen” doctrine and the victim’s dying declaration.

In addition, Ominikoron received life imprisonment for raping Nneka Udezulu, 14 years for attempting to rape Anyawola, and three years for sexually assaulting Dr. Victoria Anosike.

In response to the verdict, Onapemipo Damilola, Bamise’s elder sister, commended Justice Sonaike for delivering a fair and unbiased judgment, but also called for the arrest of anyone who was complicit in her sister’s murder.