The fate of Andrew Ominnikoron, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver accused of murdering 22-year-old passenger Oluwabamise Ayanwole, will be decided on May 2, 2025.
Justice Serifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) set the judgment date after hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
The Charges Against the BRT Driver
Ominnikoron was arraigned on four counts, including conspiracy, rape, and murder.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Babajide Martins, alleged that the driver conspired with others, now at large, to sexually assault and kill Bamise, a fashion designer, while she was commuting on his bus in November 2021.
He was also accused of raping another woman, Nneka Maryjane Ozezulu, prior to the incident.
The prosecution argued that the last known person with Bamise before her death was Ominnikoron, yet instead of reporting the incident, he fled to Ogun State, where he was later arrested by DSS operatives in 2022.
Defense Argues Lack of Evidence
However, Ominnikoron’s lawyer, Abayomi Omotubora, contended that the prosecution failed to present concrete evidence linking his client to the crime.
He also dismissed an audio voice note Bamise allegedly sent to a friend as “hearsay,” arguing that since the friend was not called as a witness, the court should not rely on it.
What’s Next?
With both sides making their final arguments, all eyes are now on Justice Sonaike, who will deliver the final verdict on May 2, 2025.
The case has sparked widespread public interest, with many Nigerians eagerly awaiting the judgment.
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