Justice for Bamise: Court Delays Verdict in BRT Driver’s Rape, Murder Case

A Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has reserved judgment in the case against Andrew Ominikoron, a Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit driver accused of raping and murdering a 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwola, in 2022.

Ominikoron is facing four counts bordering on conspiracy, rape, and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State government. He was arraigned in March 2022 before the court over the rape and murder of his passenger on February 26, 2022, at the Lekki-Ajah Expressway.

On Thursday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike fixed May 2, 2025, for the judgment after the prosecution and defense adopted their final written addresses. Defence counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, argued that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove Ominikoron’s guilt.

Omotubora insisted that none of the testimonies from the nine prosecution witnesses directly linked the defendant’s actions to Ayanwola’s death. He also dismissed a voice note reportedly sent by the deceased to her friend as inadmissible hearsay, stating that the prosecution failed to call the friend as a witness.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, in his final address, urged the court to convict the defendant and pronounce him guilty based on the testimonies of prosecution witnesses three, seven, and eight. Martins stated that corroboration is not required in rape cases under Nigerian law.

The court’s decision to reserve judgment until May 2, 2025, means that the fate of Andrew Ominikoron will be decided in two months. The case has generated widespread interest and concern, with many calling for justice for the victim and her family.