A Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Andrew Ominikoron, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, to death by hanging for the murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Ominikoron was arraigned on charges of rape and murder in connection with the death of Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer, who boarded his bus on February 26, 2022.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty of murder and attempted rape in relation to Ayanwola’s death. She also convicted him of raping Nneka Udezulu and sexually assaulting Dr Victoria Anosike on separate occasions.
Sonaike sentenced Ominikoron as follows: life imprisonment for the rape of Nneka Udezulu; 14 years imprisonment for the attempted rape of Ayanwola; and three years imprisonment for the sexual assault on Dr Victoria Anosike.
For the murder of Ayanwola, the judge sentenced Ominikoron to death, stating: “You will be hanged by the neck until you be dead. May God have mercy on your soul.”
The judge affirmed that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, citing evidence that Ominikoron’s actions directly caused Ayanwola’s death. She also referenced a voice recording sent by Ayanwola to a friend while in the defendant’s bus, which was admitted as a dying declaration. The recording was made when Ayanwola feared for her life due to Ominikoron’s behaviour.
The judge noted that Ominikoron’s history of picking up unsuspecting passengers in isolated areas and sexually molesting them, often using threats and force, demonstrated that he was a serial rapist.
“All the circumstantial evidence, coupled with the defendant’s refusal to report the matter to his office and his flight to a remote village before his arrest, points to a guilty mind,” Sonaike said.
She also criticised Ominikoron’s defence, describing his claim of regretting Ayanwola’s death as an attempt to manipulate the court’s sentiments.
Sonaike stated, “The defendant’s actions, committed within just three months of each other, suggest there may be other victims who have not come forward due to shame.”
The judge further underscored the unforgivable nature of the crimes, stating, “The defendant used his employment to exploit and assault unsuspecting passengers. This is a deeply reprehensible crime.”
Sonaike concluded with a call for reform, saying, “This case serves as an eye-opener. There is an urgent need for the government to overhaul recruitment standards to ensure the safety of young girls when they board public transport.”
The prosecution called nine witnesses, while Ominikoron was the sole witness for the defence. The Lagos State Government had charged him with five counts, including conspiracy, rape, attempted rape, and murder. Ominikoron pleaded not guilty to all charges.
He was first arraigned on March 22, 2022, in connection with the rape and murder of Ayanwola, which occurred on the Lekki-Ajah Expressway. The charges also included the rape of Nneka Udezulu and the sexual assault of Dr Victoria Anosike along the Ikorodu-Mile 12 axis of Lagos State.
These offences contravened Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
