Bamise: Lagos BRT driver remanded for rape, murder

Omininikoron, a Lagos Bus Rapid Transit driver, has been charged with the murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old tailor, at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Obalende.

On Saturday, February 26, Ayanwola went missing after boarding a BRT bus.

She was said to have boarded a bus bound for Oshodi at the Chevron Bus-stop.

The victim worked as a fashion designer on Chevron Estate in Ajah, Lagos, but spent her weekends with her sister in Ota, Ogun State, until her death.

Her lifeless body was discovered by the roadside on Lagos Island’s Carter Bridge.
Omininikoron was charged with four counts of conspiracy, murder, and rape before Justice Sherifat Sonaike.
Dr. Jide, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Martins, said the matter was for arraignment.

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Mr Isaac Ezeawem, the BRT driver’s counsel.
Martins told the court that the defendant allegedly raped another lady (name withheld) aged 29 on November 25, 2021.

He stated that the incident occurred around 7 p.m. at the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre on the Lekki Ajah Expressway.

According to the prosecutor, Ominnikoron conspired with others who are still at large to have sexual relations with his passenger, Ayanwole, without her consent, and then murdered her.
Martins stated that the incident occurred on February 26, 2022, at approximately 8 p.m. on the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Expressway and Cater Bridge.

He stated, “The defendant and others still at large on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed one Oluwabamise Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus at Cater Bridge after having sexual intercourse with her without her consent.”

According to the prosecutor, the offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 411, 223, 260 and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The defendant, who is 47 years old, has pleaded not guilty to the accusations.

Following his plea, the DPP requested that he should be remanded in the Ikoyi prison and a trial date be set.
Justice Sonaike approved the remand request and postponed the case’s start date until May 9, 10, and 11, 2022.
Ayo Ademiluyi, the lead counsel for the deceased’s family, told our correspondent that the DPP had agreed to obtain further evidence to aid the case.

“There are still dimensions to this case, such as the video footage Bamise recorded herself and the charge being amended,” he said. “That is why we rejected Lagos State’s rushed autopsy last week.” We’ll enlist the help of additional pathologists to confirm the accuracy of the findings.”