Etim Ekpimah
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter has called on the Lagos State Government and the judiciary to quicken the trial of Nice (Andrew) Omininikoron over the alleged murder of the 22 years old fashion designer who was found dead after boarding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), in the state.
A statement signed by the chairperson, NAWOJ on Sunday, Adeola Ekine, noted that the association condemned in totality the brutal murder of the innocent lady who boarded the bus at Chevron Bus Stop, Victoria Island en route Oshodi on Saturday, February 26, 2022.
“We appreciate the government for arraigning the Bus Man/prime suspect, Nice (Andrew) Omininikoron at Yaba Magistrate Court, but Lagos will be so delighted if speedy proceedings and judgement will be achieved within a short period to prove her competence that the matter will be executed judiciously.
“As female journalists in the state, our members are keenly monitoring the proceedings and events as they unfold and promise to follow up the matter to a logical conclusion bearing in mind that Bamise was a promising young lady that met her untimely death five months after the completion of her apprenticeship and three months after she gained employment.
“It is disheartening to still hear that the prime suspect in Bamise’s death has earlier raped another female victim on Thursday, November 25, 2021, through a similar process.
“As narrated by the victim, Omininikoron was said to have parked at an isolated place, feigned ailment, and took his drug and water.
“Suddenly, he was said to have stylishly made advances at the victim who rejected the advances.
“Immediately, Nice was said to have reached for a sharp knife with which he threatened to stab the victim. Since there was no help, he succeeded in raping the victim,” the statement read.
According to Ekine, Lagos NAWOJ advises the womenfolk to be more security conscious and raise the alarm at any suspicion as women are seen as the weaker sex.
The association also called on Lagos State Government and transporters in general to introduce security alarms and devices in case of such occurrences.
The chairperson added that the Lagos NAWOJ commiserates with Bamise’s family and the entire women folk particularly the 74 years old mother she left behind.