A Lagos High Court has sentenced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for murder of his passenger.
Ominikoron was arraigned for rape and murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
Ayanwola boarded the BRT bus on Feb. 26, 2022.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty of murder and attempted rape of Anyawola.
She also found him guilty of raping Nneka Udezulu and sexually assaulting Dr Victoria Anosike.
These women had boarded the convict’s bus on separate occasions.
Sonaike said: “On count one, which is offence of raping Nneka Udezulu, Ominikoron, is sentenced to life imprisonment.
“For count three, attempted rape of Anyawola, you are sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.
“Count three, attempted rape of Anyawola, you are sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.
“While for count five, offence of sexual assault on Dr Victoria Anosike, you are sentenced to three years imprisonment.
“On count four, for the murder of Ayanwola under Section 301 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the defendant is found guilty and sentenced to death.
“You will be hanged by the neck until you be dead. May God have mercy on your soul,”she held.
The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Lagos High Court’s decision to sentence Andrew Ominikoron to death by hanging for the murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola is a significant ruling. Justice Sherifat Sonaike’s verdict highlights the severity of the crimes committed, including rape and sexual assault. The court’s thorough examination of the evidence ensured that justice was served. This case underscores the importance of safety measures in public transportation. How can society better protect passengers from such heinous crimes in the future?
Justice well served. Praying we get it rightoneday