The family of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who was raped and murdered after boarding a Lagos State BRT bus in 2022, has renewed its appeal for compensation from the Lagos State Government. The call comes as the family marked what would have been her birthday on Sunday.
Ayanwole was declared missing in February 2022 after she boarded a BRT bus at the Chevron bus stop in Lekki. Days later, her body was discovered on Carter Bridge—an incident that sparked nationwide outrage, protests, and demands for stronger public safety measures.
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In May 2023, a Lagos High Court sentenced the BRT driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of raping and murdering the young woman.
“Justice Is Not Complete Without Compensation” — Family
Despite the conviction, the family says their suffering has continued without support from the government. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Bamise’s elder sister, Damilola Ayanwole, said the state has abandoned their aging parents.
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“Seven months after the driver was convicted, we have not heard from the state government,” she said.
“The crime happened inside government property and was committed by a government employee. How can justice be complete without compensation?”
Years of Trauma and Financial Hardship
Damilola described the family’s emotional and financial struggles since Bamise’s death.
She revealed that: Their parents suffer deep emotional trauma and cry frequently. Two older siblings now battle high blood pressure. She herself underwent a brain scan after collapsing from stress.
Her mannequin production business collapsed after the incident, and she has been unable to recover.
“My parents deserve compensation after all the emotional suffering they have endured,” she said. “Bamise dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. She planned to take care of our parents. Her death shattered everything.”
Reflecting on the final voice notes and messages Bamise sent before her death, Damilola said they remain the family’s source of strength.
“For her to see death and still send us clues… if she could fight, how much more should those of us alive?” she said.
She also questioned the absence of CCTV cameras and emergency systems on the BRT bus during the incident, noting that such tools might have revealed additional accomplices.
Government Responds
When contacted, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, said he would consult the Ministry of Justice to verify whether the court’s judgment included compensation.
“The unfortunate incident was a legal matter handled by the Ministry of Justice,” Omotoso stated. “The state ensured the criminal was brought to book, but I need to confirm if compensation was part of the court’s pronouncement.”
Bamise’s case has reignited calls from rights groups for a structured compensation system for victims harmed within government-operated facilities.
Advocates argue that families should not be left to rely solely on court rulings or public donations.
For the Ayanwole family, the fight continues.
“Justice is not complete without compensation,” Damilola insisted. “Bamise opened our eyes, and we will keep fighting.”
