The Ayanwola family has petitioned the Lagos State Attorney General for permission to prosecute Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a BRT driver who allegedly killed their daughter, Bamise, 22.
The family’s counsel, Adesina Ogunlana, applied on its behalf.
After rapping Bamise, Ominnikoron, the driver of a BRT bus she boarded in February, allegedly killed her.
In March, the suspect was indicted on a four-count charge of rape and murder before Justice Sherifat Solebo of Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square Annex, Lagos Island. But he argued not guilty to the charges.
The fact was scheduled for Monday, but Ogunlana asked for an independent case prosecution.
“The family of late Bamise Ayanwola has briefed us, the young lady murdered aboard a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle on February 26, 2022, to act as their attorneys,” the application stated.
“We have received additional orders from them to seek to your office for Fiat to prosecute the criminal charge brought against one Andrew Nice Ominikoron before Hon. Justice Serifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court.”
“The family has formally shown their wish to have a more independent body to lead the prosecution in the circumstances of the matter.
“They believe that because the Lagos State Government, agencies, and personnel are implicated in the affair, they cannot be fairly expected to serve as a prosecutor adequately against themselves.”
“I have tied copies of their letter of instructions to our firm and industry, the Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association (RAMINBA).
“In addition, the family is worried that the charges against the defendant also include charges of rape of another person, an incident different and separate from that of their deceased family member.
“This condition may result in disproportionate difficulties. “We look ahead to a positive and timeous respect of our request.”