Ayanwola verdict: As public transport safety remains elusive…

The conviction of Andrew Ominikoron, a former Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, for the brutal murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, is a tragedy that resonates far beyond the individual crime. It is a story that strikes at the heart of public transport safety in Nigeria, exposing the glaring vulnerabilities passengers face daily. Ayanwola’s senseless death not only underscores the horrors that unfolded on February 26, 2022, but also highlights deeper, systemic flaws within public services that demand urgent attention.

Ominikoron, found guilty of raping and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer Ayanwola, was sentenced to death. This verdict, though a form of justice for Ayanwola, serves as a reminder of a system that failed to protect her. Ominikoron’s actions were not just a personal failure; they were the result of deep-rooted flaws in the mechanisms that should have ensured public safety, especially in a state-run transportation system designed to be safer for the citizens of Lagos. While the courts have done their part in bringing Ominikoron to justice, the larger question remains: how did we let this happen in the first place?

The chilling details that emerged during the trial are difficult to ignore. Ayanwola’s voice note, sent to a friend while still in Ominikoron’s bus and fearing for her life, became a key piece of evidence, painting a horrifying picture of the final moments before her death. This, alongside the testimony about Ominikoron’s repeated sexual assaults on unsuspecting passengers, reveals a pattern of abuse and exploitation within the BRT system. How did a man with such a violent history end up entrusted with the responsibility of transporting thousands of people every day?

This case forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality of the flaws within the BRT service. A transport system that was supposed to represent a safer, more efficient mode of travel for Lagosians has, in this case, tragically failed its passengers.

The BRT service, which is promoted as a modern and reliable transport option, has become a symbol of the dangers commuters face when safety systems are not properly enforced. The very service that was supposed to offer a sense of security instead became the vehicle for a heinous crime, underscoring the desperate need for thorough background checks and better screening of employees.

The investigation into Ominikoron’s actions has highlighted a disturbing lack of accountability within the system. His background, which included a string of sexual offences, was not uncovered before he was placed behind the wheel of a bus. How can a system that is meant to prioritise safety allow such a glaring oversight?

The case raises serious concerns about the recruitment processes within public transport services, where people’s lives are put at risk every day. To prevent another tragedy like this, the government must overhaul recruitment standards, ensuring that every driver undergoes a thorough vetting process. It is essential that authorities move beyond operational competence and focus on ethics, integrity, and the safeguarding of passengers.

This tragedy is not just a singular incident; it is a symbol of the broader issue of women’s safety in public spaces across Nigeria. The painful truth is that Ayanwola’s death is just one of many such stories that go unnoticed, as women continue to face daily threats of violence, harassment, and exploitation. While the crime itself is shocking, it also points to a much larger societal issue, one where women’s lives are often undervalued and their safety overlooked. This case must ignite a conversation not just about public transport, but about the constant danger women face in every corner of society.

The prosecution’s argument that Ominikoron’s actions could be part of a wider pattern of abuse should not be ignored. The fact that the crimes took place over a short span of three months suggests that Ayanwola was not the first victim, and likely won’t be the last. How many more women are out there, suffering in silence, too afraid or ashamed to speak up? The authorities must address this gap, ensuring that no victim remains unheard.

The security forces, too, must shoulder some responsibility. Ominikoron managed to evade capture for a period after committing the crime, raising serious questions about the efficiency of the law enforcement agencies in dealing with such offenders. The sluggish response to his flight and the delay in his arrest reflect broader issues with the justice system in Nigeria. If those in positions of power can act with impunity, it sends a dangerous message to would-be offenders that they can escape the consequences of their actions.

The case of Oluwabamise Ayanwola’s tragic death is a tragic wake-up call. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the state of public transport, the safety of women, and the failings of law enforcement in Nigeria. While justice has been served with Ominikoron’s conviction, the work does not end here.

The government and transport authorities must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that this tragedy is not repeated. The death of a young woman should not be the catalyst for reform, but the reality is that it often takes such a loss to spark meaningful change. It is time for real accountability and a renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria’s citizens, especially the most vulnerable.