Alleged BRT Murder: How Bamise’s Case Came Up 11 Times In Court With 13 Exhibits
By Fredrick Wright
Barely nine months after the brutal murder of Oluwabamishe Ayanwole, the case has came up in court 11 times, with 13 exhibits.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, T.K Shitta-Bey, who disclosed this in a statement today (Sunday) said, the Ministry of Justice will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the diligent prosecution of the Defendant- Andrew Nice Ominikoron is done in the matter.
She said seven witnesses are now being cross examined by defence counsel.
The case has been adjourned till 5th of December, 2022 for continuation of trial.
She stated: “As we approach the first post-humous birthday of Oluwabamishe Ayanwole, the Lagos State Government again empathizes with the family on the incident that led to the untimely death of their loved one. The Government wishes to reiterate that it will, through the Ministry of Justice, leave no stone unturned in ensuring the diligent prosecution of the Defendant- Andrew Nice Ominikoron.
“Towards fulfilling this obligation, the Defendant was arrested by the Police on the 7th of March, 2022.
“A five-count charge, which includes the offences of Murder, Rape, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and Sexual Assault, was preferred against the Defendant and he has since been arraigned before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the High Court of Lagos State on 22nd of March 2022.
“In the proof of evidence, the State lined up nine (9) witnesses to testify. Trial commenced on the 9th of May, 2022 and from the time of arraignment till date, the case has come up eleven (11) times. The State has called seven (7) witnesses with thirteen (13) exhibits tendered. PW7 whose examination-in-chief was concluded on 31st day of October, 2022 is now being cross examined by defence counsel and the case stands adjourned till 5th of December, 2022 for continuation of trial.
“The matter is being personally handled by the Honourable Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, supported by the DPP and a team of lawyers from the office of the DPP in demonstration of the importance and priority given to the case by the State.
“The family of Oluwabamishe Ayanwole is represented by Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana or counsel from his chambers. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, also sends a legal team to observe the proceedings.
“Remarkable progress has been made in the matter and the State has demonstrated its readiness and determination to ensure the matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion by ensuring that all its witnesses are available and ready to testify. Between date of arraignment (March 2022) till date, 7 witnesses out of 9 have testified.
“The family of the deceased as well as members of the public are hereby assured that the trial of the Defendant is ongoing and the Lagos State government will not relent in its effort to ensure that justice is speedily served in the case,” she stated.
Recall that Oluwabamise, a 22-year-old fashion designer, boarded one of the BRT buses, was allegedly killed and body dumped on the road.
Oluwabamise, who got missing while returning to Ota from Ajah on February 26 boarded the bus with number 240257 around 7pm. The bus, heading to Oshodi picked the deceased at Chevron Bus-Stop.
It was gathered that the victim worked as a Fashion Designer at Chevron Estate, Ajah spent her weekends in Ota, Ogun State, with her sister.
Sensing danger as the bus did not pick any other passenger at subsequent bus stops, Oluwabamise had engaged a friend using voice notes on her phone.
The voice notes showed that the bus driver said he liked Oluwabamise and asked for her name and other details.
She told her friend to pray for her as she became suspicious of the bus driver and in response, the friend told her to alight at Oworonsoki bus stop before Oshodi bus stop.
Oluwabamise had also sent a video to her friend showing how dark it was in the bus and said, “There are three men and one woman in the bus. The woman is sitting at the back. That’s the number of the bus in case. Please pray for me.’’
That was the last that was heard from Oluwabamise, according to her mother.
