The family of Bamise Ayanwola has called on the government to apprehend all accomplices connected to her death following the conviction and sentencing of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver Andrew Ominikoron.

Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square on Friday found Ominikoron guilty of multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, attempted rape and the murder of Ayanwola.

The judge sentenced him to death by hanging for the murder and gave him additional jail terms for the other offences.

Bamise, 22, was last seen on February 26, 2022, after boarding Ominikoron’s BRT bus in the Ajah area of Lagos.

Her disappearance triggered public outrage and a city-wide search. Her body was found nine days later on Carter Bridge, Lagos Island.

The Lagos State Government had charged Ominikoron on a five-count charge of conspiracy, rape, murder and sexual assault.

Eleven witnesses testified against him during the trial, which began after his arrest.

The convict, who opened his defence on October 17, 2024, denied killing or raping the victim.

However, Justice Sonaike ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“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.

“For count five, offence of sexual assault on Dr Victoria Anosike, you are sentenced to three years imprisonment,” the judge ruled.

“For count four which is the offence of murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola. Having been found guilty of murder, a capital offence pursuant to Section 301 of the Administrative of Criminal Justice Law, the defendant is hereby sentenced to death.

“You will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul,” she added.

Justice Sonaike accepted as evidence a voice recording made by Bamise while she was in Ominikoron’s bus, describing it as a dying declaration.

The court held that the message revealed how the convict preyed on vulnerable female passengers.

“All the circumstantial evidence, including the defendant’s attempt to flee to a remote village and his failure to report the incident, demonstrates a guilty mind,” she said.

Describing Ominikoron as a “serial rapist,” the judge said, “The defendant used his employment to rape unsuspecting passengers. This is an unforgivable crime.

“This case is an eye opener. There is a need for the government to overhaul the recruitment standard so that parents will be assured when their young girl boards a vehicle.”

Justice Sonaike also said the convict lied during his defence, and suggested there may be more victims who did not come forward out of shame.

Reacting to the verdict, the deceased’s elder sister, Onapemipo Damilola, praised the judge and demanded that others involved in her sister’s death be arrested.

“The accomplices in the matter should be provided,” she said.

Damilola commended the judge, saying, “The judgment was not biased. The judgment was accurate. We thank her so much. She deserves to be praised.”

She also confirmed that the Lagos State Government had not offered any compensation. “They never talked about any compensation,” Damilola added.