FEAR PREVENTED ME FROM REPORTING RAPE OF BAMISE BY THREE OTHER PASSENGERS – ANDREW NICE
Read Time:1 Minute, 39 Second
In the ongoing murder trial of Andrew Nice Omininikoron, a driver for the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), he testified that fear prevented him from reporting the alleged rape of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola, by three male passengers.
He made this known before Justice Sherifat Sonaike at the Lagos State High Court, TBS annex, on Monday.
During cross-examination which was led by Dr. Babajide Martins, Director of Public Prosecutions, Omininikoron recounted the events of February 26, 2022, when Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer, was allegedly assaulted and subsequently thrown from his bus. He admitted to failing to follow company protocol by not reporting the incident to his supervisors, stating, “I was afraid of getting into trouble with my boss.”
Omininikoron, who has been employed with Lagos Bus Services Ltd. since September 2021, explained that drivers are required to report any incidents to the office.
However, on the day in question, he picked up Ayanwola and other passengers after hours, which he acknowledged was against protocol.
“The only problem I have had in my 20 years of driving was on Feb 26, with Bamise. I was afraid, so I packed the bus that day and left without telling anyone,” he said.
When questioned about whether he made a formal complaint upon returning to work, Omininikoron responded, “No, I was afraid.”
He also admitted to disappearing when called in by his boss for an explanation regarding the incident, fearing police involvement.
The court also heard Omininikoron’s claims of torture while in custody, which he did not formally report to authorities, including the DSS director or the Inspector General of Police. He acknowledged his signature on a statement taken during his detention.
Omininikoron is facing four counts, including murder, conspiracy, and rape, in connection with Ayanwola’s death. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is part of a broader case involving allegations of sexual assault against two other women.
Further hearings are scheduled for November 29.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0