In a surprising turn of events, the conclusion of a gripping murder trial at the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, on October 9th has triggered inquiries into the status of another equally striking murder case.

The suspended Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Drambi Vandi, received a death sentence by hanging for the killing of a 41-year-old pregnant Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, who tragically lost her life in a shooting incident at a police checkpoint in Ajah, Lagos, on Christmas Day 2022. Vandi was arraigned by the Lagos State Government in January, and his trial at the high court, culminating in a conviction and the death sentence, was completed within a year. This swift progress is deserving of commendation. While he retains the option to appeal this verdict, the outcome remains uncertain.

However, it’s the case of Bamise Ayanwola that now stirs concern. Bamise, a 22-year-old fashion designer, was found deceased on Lagos Island over a year ago in March 2022. Her last known whereabouts were on a state-owned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle heading from Ajah to Oshodi. She had expressed concerns about being the sole passenger in the bus, as the driver bypassed other stops on the route. Her apprehension led her to send voice notes to a friend detailing her situation. These provided crucial information for locating the bus and the driver after she was declared missing.

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The driver, identified as Nice Andrew Omininikoron, had gone into hiding but was eventually apprehended in Ososa, Ogun State. He claimed that unknown assailants had forcibly taken Bamise away after compelling him to halt near Carter Bridge.

The circumstances of Bamise’s demise remain shrouded in mystery, leaving many questions unanswered. This prompted Lagos legislator Steve Ogundipe to raise the matter on October 10th as a ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance.’

In response, the House issued a statement announcing its intent to invite “the family of the deceased, the relevant government agency, and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights for an update on the case, which is still pending in court.”

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, emphasized that “the judiciary is an independent institution, and we lack the authority to interfere in their proceedings. We cannot compel the judiciary, but we can voice the concerns of the state’s residents who are anxious for updates on the case.”

The public is clearly eager for justice to be served in Bamise’s case. Importantly, this case pertains to public transportation security, and it is imperative for the authorities to send a reassuring message to the public regarding this issue. Just as swift justice was delivered in Raheem’s case, Bamise’s case warrants equal treatment.