DOHS Femicide Research Hub has applauded the judgment passed on the cases of Bamise Toyosi Ayanwole and Osinachi Nwachukwu.
It will be recalled that Bamise Oluwabamise Toyosi Ayanwole was a young Nigerian woman who was abducted after boarding a BRT in Lagos, Nigeria and found dead 9 days later.
The 22-year-old lady, who is a fashion designer, was abducted on February 26, 2022, after boarding a bus rapid transit system at Chevron, Lekki, heading to Oshodi on the Lagos mainland around 7:30 pm.
On March 7, 2022, her lifeless body was discovered naked near the Carter Bridge on Lagos Island. An eyewitness stated that Bamise was still alive after she was thrown off the BRT bus, but she couldn’t be treated or rushed to the hospital before she died.
The driver of the BRT was identified as Andrew Nice Omininikoron. He kept mute after the incident. After Bamise’s disappearance was made public, he fled and hid in the neighbouring Ogun State.
After his arrest, he confessed to have raped Bamise, but denied any connection to her murder.
He later claimed that his bus was hijacked by armed robbers who also kidnapped Bamise at gunpoint.
Accusations of rape and sexual assault have been brought to light by at least two other female victims in similar circumstances. He was arrested and was to await trial.
Osinachi Nwachukwu was a Nigerian gospel musician who achieved fame through the single “Ekwueme” by Prospa Ochimana. Her death was alleged to be a result of domestic violence. Her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, was arrested in connection with her death.
On the 28th of April 2025, an FCT High Court in Abuja sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, her husband, to death by hanging for her murder. He was found culpable of her death, which occurred on April 8 2022.
The Executive Director of DOHS Care Foundation, parent body of DOHS Femicide Research Hub, Ms Lolade Ajayi, said: “We welcome the landmark judgment in the case of Bamise Toyosi Ayanwole, who tragically lost her life after being brutally raped and mutilated on a BRT bus.
“The court’s decision to sentence the perpetrator to 14 years imprisonment for rape and death by hanging for murder sends a strong message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated.
“We acknowledge the courage and resilience of Bamise’s family in seeking justice. Their determination has contributed to this significant outcome.
“This verdict serves as a reminder that justice can be achieved through our legal systems. However, it also highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent femicide and support survivors of gender-based violence.
“We urge everyone to join us in promoting awareness about femicide, advocating for the rights and dignity of women and girls, and working together to create a society where such crimes are not repeated.
“Justice has been served, but our work continues. We at DOHS remain committed to supporting survivors, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness about femicide. We say to the public that justice is still alive, and together, we can make a difference.”
Jadesola Olemija
“How sweet the taste of Justice. It’d be sweeter if they got his accomplices docked as well. But this is delightful, a message to Perpetrators of violence against Women: You will be severely punished in return, you will die by hanging too.”
She further said: “The recent convictions and sentencing, with that of Osinachi’s husband, show that the Judiciary is radically signalling
support for the protection of women. We hope this pattern continues until Femicide in Nigeria is eradicated.”
