Zoe A.E
According to Bamise’s family, “the Lagos State government, agency, and officials are involved in the matter and may not be reasonably expected to act as the prosecutor against themselves,” said their lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana for the family.
The family of the late 22year old Bamise Ayanwola who was raped and murdered on her way from work has written to the Lagos state Attorney General seeking permission to prosecute personally, the murder trial against the sole defendant, Andrew Ominikoron.
Bamise was returning from work on the 26th of February 2022 and boarded a BRT to Oshodi at about 7 PM. Bamise was returning to Ota from Ajah. She noticed that the lights in the BRT were off and there were only a few men present in the BRT. She made a voice note and sent it to her friend on WhatsApp stating how scared she was because of the scenario she found herself in, and how the movements of the men were suspicious.
Days later, Bamise was declared missing and later found dead at the Chevron bus stop with part of her body missing.
In March 2022, the Lagos state government arraigned the suspect (Andrew Ominikoron) on a four-count charge before Sherifat Solebo of the High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island which he pleaded not guilty to the charges even though pieces of evidence were showing against him.
In a letter dated May 4, 2022, independent prosecution addressed to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bamise’s family said they have “formally expressed their wish to have a more independent body conduct the prosecution.”
According to them “the Lagos State government, agency, and officials are involved in the matter and may not be reasonably expected to act as the prosecutor against themselves,” said their lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana for the family.
Mr. Ogunlana, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, explained that the family said, charges against the accused also carry that of rape of another person different from Bamise and may complicate the whole matter.
“In addition, the family is concerned that the charges against the defendant also include allegations of rape of another person, an incident distinct and separate from that of their deceased family member,”
“This situation may result in unnecessary complications.” The later read.
Mr. Ominikoron is also accused of raping another lady in November, along the Lekki Ajah expressway.
The hearing will begin formally, next Monday.
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