In a courtroom charged with emotion and heavy silence, justice found its voice on March 25, 2025, as the Lagos State High Court handed down a death sentence to Andrew Nice Ominnikoron, the BRT driver found guilty of the brutal murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwole.
The case, which gripped national attention since early 2022, culminated in a powerful verdict that echoed the public’s long-standing demand for accountability and justice, especially concerning the safety of women in public transportation.
Oluwabamise Ayanwole, a young fashion designer and the last child of her family, boarded a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle at the Chevron Bus Stop on February 26, 2022. She was on her way to Oshodi but never made it home. In a desperate act that would later serve as critical evidence, Bamise had sent voice notes and videos to a friend, expressing fear over the unusual behavior of the bus driver, who had picked her up after dark with no other passengers on board.
Days later, her lifeless body was discovered on Carter Bridge, Lagos Island — a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and creativity.
After months of investigations and witness testimonies, the Lagos State Government arraigned Andrew Nice on multiple charges, including rape, murder, and interference with a corpse. Despite his initial denials and conflicting statements, overwhelming evidence—including CCTV footage, forensic analysis, and the victim’s final messages—painted a damning picture of a premeditated crime.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Sherifat Sonaike held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found that Nice deliberately exploited his position as a public service operator to lure and violate a vulnerable passenger, ultimately taking her life.
For Bamise’s family, the verdict brings a measure of closure, though no ruling could restore the vibrant soul they lost. Speaking outside the courtroom, her brother said, “We thank God justice has been served. Bamise was our joy, and her memory will never fade.”
Advocates for women's rights and transport safety hailed the decision as a legal milestone. “This verdict sends a strong message: predators in public service will not go unpunished,” said Kemi Alabi, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer. “But the fight is far from over. We must institutionalize safety in public transport systems.”
The Bamise case raised urgent questions about passenger safety, surveillance within public buses, and the vetting of transit personnel. Following public outrage, the Lagos State Government promised reforms, including driver background checks and onboard security measures. However, critics argue that progress has been slow, and more must be done to prevent future tragedies.
Oluwabamise’s story has since become a rallying cry for justice and reform. Her name now symbolizes the urgent need to safeguard public spaces for all Nigerians, especially women. Vigils, murals, and social media campaigns have kept her memory alive, turning pain into purpose.
The death sentence handed to Andrew Nice is not just a punishment—it is a public affirmation that every Nigerian life matters, and that those who betray the trust of public service will be held to the highest account.
