"A CHILLING MURDER CASE OF OLUWABAMISE AYANWOLE IN NIGERIA"

The murder of Oluwabamise "Bamise" Ayanwole is a chilling case that shook Nigeria, particularly because it occurred within the state-run Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system—a service previously considered safe for solo female commuters.

The Disappearance

On February 26, 2022, 22-year-old fashion designer Bamise Ayanwole closed from work in the Ajah area of Lagos. At approximately 7:30 PM, she boarded a BRT bus (number 240257) at Chevron Bus Stop, heading toward Oshodi.

The Warning Signs: Once inside, Bamise became suspicious. She noticed the bus was unlit and that the driver, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, was behaving strangely.

The Voice Notes: In a series of harrowing WhatsApp voice notes sent to a friend, Bamise expressed her fear: "Please pray for me... the driver didn't pick up anyone else after me. There are three other men inside, and the lights are off." * The Final Call: Her last communication was a short video showing the dark interior of the bus and a brief call where a struggle was heard before her phone went dead.

The Investigation & Findings

Nine days after her disappearance, on March 7, 2022, Bamise’s body was discovered discarded near the Carter Bridge on Lagos Island.

Cause of Death: An autopsy later revealed the cause of death as bludgeoning. There were conflicting reports about whether her body parts had been harvested for ritual purposes, but the official focus remained on the violent assault and murder.

The Arrest: The driver, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, fled to Ogun State immediately after the incident. He was tracked down and arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on March 7.

The "Hijack" Defense: Upon arrest, Omininikoron initially claimed that the bus had been hijacked by gunmen who kidnapped Bamise. However, investigators found no evidence of a hijack and instead uncovered a pattern of predatory behavior.

The Verdict

The trial of Andrew Nice Omininikoron took place at the Lagos State High Court, presided over by Justice Sherifat Sonaike.

The Evidence: The prosecution presented overwhelming circumstantial and forensic evidence, including:

Bamise’s dying declarations (the voice notes).

CCTV footage and call logs.

Testimony from two other women who came forward to testify that Omininikoron had previously raped or sexually assaulted them on his bus.

The Sentence: On May 2, 2025, the court delivered its judgment. Andrew Nice Omininikoron was found guilty of murder, rape, and sexual assault. He was sentenced to death by hanging.

Aftermath & Current Status

The case led to a major crisis of confidence in the Lagos public transport system.

Safety Reforms: Following the murder, the Lagos State Government announced the installation of CCTV cameras and trackers in all BRT buses. It also mandated that interior lights must remain on at all times during evening operations.

Civil Unrest: Bamise’s death sparked widespread protests under the hashtag #JusticeForBamise, highlighting the vulnerability of women in urban centers.

Current Status (2026): As of early 2026, Andrew Nice Omininikoron remains on death row awaiting execution, following the landmark verdict in May 2025. The case is cited as a significant victory for the prosecution of gender-based violence in Nigeria.

**********************