Anthony Iwuoma
The family of Bamise Ayanwola, the 22-year-old lady that was allegedly raped and murdered inside a BRT bus she boarded in February by the driver has applied to Lagos State Attorney General for fiat to prosecute the accused, Andrew Nice Ominikoron.
The suspect, who was arrested and arraigned on a four-count charge of rape and murder before Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Lagos High Court, in March pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, when the case came up on Monday, the family’s counsel, Adesina Ogunlana, filed an application, requesting an independent prosecution of the matter.
“We have been briefed by the family of late Bamise Ayanwola, the young lady murdered on February 26, 2022, aboard a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle to act as their solicitors,” the application read.
“We have their further instructions to apply to your office for Fiat to prosecute the criminal charge preferred against one Andrew Nice Ominikoron presently before Hon. Justice Serifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court.
“The family has formally expressed their wish to have a more independent body to conduct the prosecution in the circumstances of the matter.
“In their view, Lagos State Government, agency and officials are involved in the matter and may not be reasonably expected to act as the prosecutor adequately against themselves.”
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“Please find attached copies of their letter of instructions to our firm and organisation, the Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association (RAMINBA).
“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. “We look forward to a positive and timeous consideration of our request.”
