The family of Bamise Ayanwole, the 22-year-old whose life was brutally cut short on a Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle, has made a shocking allegation against the Lagos State Government. In a stunning accusation, Bamise’s mother claims that the government is complicit in the delay of justice for her daughter’s murder, pointing to the slow pace of the trial of the BRT driver accused of the crime. As the family’s quest for justice continues, concerns are growing about the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring accountability for heinous crimes.

The mother of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old woman who went missing after boarding a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle (BRT) in Lagos, has accused the Lagos State government of being complicit in her daughter’s death.

Bamise went missing after she boarded a BRT vehicle from Chevron Bus Stop in Ajah to Oshodi at around 7 PM on February 26, 2022.

During her journey, the fashion designer noticed that the driver was not stopping to pick up other passengers at the subsequent bus stops along the route.

Feeling uneasy, she messaged her friend and sent voice notes detailing her predicament. That was the last time her friends and family heard from her, and she was later reported missing. Eventually, she was found dead on Carter Bridge, according to the Lagos State Police Command.

In an interview with SaharaReporters, the mother expressed concern that the government’s lack of commitment to the case, along with the lawyer’s frequent requests for adjournment, had impeded the prosecution of the suspect.

“What I don’t understand is that the lawyer representing the accused driver keeps confusing the whole situation. He behaves like he is the master even on the judges. He may decide not to show up. And anytime he comes, he always asks for adjournment. He has forgotten that he is a father and he will also die one day” the mother stated.

“This is the third month, and we have seen no progress. If it weren’t for the lawyer’s behaviour and the lack of commitment from the state government regarding this case—especially since the incident occurred on a government bus—we should have made more headway by now. The people in government have children, just like Bamise. Why can’t they fight for me and help me achieve justice?”

“If the government is not complicit in my daughter’s death along with the driver, a fair judgment should have been rendered by now. I don’t understand the delay, and it feels as though we are being treated like we have no voice and receive no support,” she concluded.

“Will Bamise Ever Receive the Justice She Deserves?”

Similarly, in September 2023, Bamise’s sister made the complaint, highlighting how the government neglected to prosecute her sister’s suspected killer.

She stated “It is a pity that the young ones who are talented are dying at their tender age with their God-given talents and at the age that their glory ought to start shining. Justice has to be done. The Lagos State government must make sure justice is served for Imole (Mohbad).

“Everyone in charge of this case, I mean everyone that has a hand in his death must be brought to book. They shouldn’t do them like they did to my sister Ayanwola Oluwabamise’s case. It is going to be two years since my sister was forcefully raped and murdered.

“Justice must be served. The Lagos State government has truly failed. They have let down all the women, all the mothers, and all the fathers because those responsible for my sister’s death have not yet been held accountable.

“If we, the family of the late Bamise, were not God-fearing people, the situation might have escalated. We are seeking justice for Imole and Bamise.”