The Nation Newspaper

Tag: father

  • Father ‘kills’ son in Ebonyi

    A 45-year-old man, Mr. Nwofu Igbo, at the weekend allegedly killed his 16-year-old son.

    The incident occurred at Nwofee community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The victim, who lived in Lagos State, returned to his village to celebrate Christmas with his family.

    A source alleged that Nwofu killed his son.

    According to him, a quarrel had ensued between him and the deceased’s mother, which led to her being driven out of the matrimonial home.

    The source said the suspect married another wife, who bore him five children. He reportedly took possession of all that belonged to the deceased’s mother.

    The Nation learnt that the victim, who had been living with his mother and siblings, returned to his father’s home to reconcile his estranged parents.

    “When the deceased greeted his father and asked him where he could put his luggage, Nwofu was hostile to him. The deceased left and spent the night in the home of one of his friends.

    “When he returned the next day to apologise and  reconcile his parents,  Nwofu grudgingly showed him a room where he could stay. As he was changing his clothes, he sneaked in and hit him in the head with a big iron and he died. The suspect then dumped his son’s body on the road,” the source said.

    He said when the villagers found the body, Nwofu did not own up. But one of his sons, the deceased’s half brother, told them and the police that he saw the father hit the victim with an iron before he dumped his body on the road.

    Police Commissioner Maigari Dikko confirmed the incident.

    He said it was being investigated.

  • 67 cheers to a loving father

    67 cheers to a loving father

    A reception was held at Mende Town Hall in Maryland, Lagos, following a thanksgiving service at St Agnes Catholic Church, last Sunday, to celebrate the 67th birthday of Managing Partner, Tony May Foundation, Mr Andrew Otokhina, and the call to Bar of two of his children, Winifred and Anne. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was a day of thanksgiving for the Managing Partner, Tony May Foundation and Principal Partner, Otokhina and Co., Legal Practitioners, Mr Andrew Otokhina. He turned 67 last Sunday and also celebrated the call to Bar of two of his children, Winifred and Anne. The ceremony was held at Mende Town Hall in Maryland, Lagos following a thanksgiving service at St Agnes Catholic Church.

    It was a gathering of family and friends who turned out in choice traditional outfits. The celebrator and his wife wore purple and grey native.

    The hall was decorated in gold and purple with lights hung on the wall. The Managing Partner, Phoenix Core Ltd, Chijoke Ezeh, anchored the event.

    A retired engineer from Shell Oil, Sam Omobhude, chaired the occasion. He led the opening prayers.

    Mrs Titilayo Akinlanown (SAN) welcomed guests. She congratulated the celebrator on his birthday and welcomed the Winifred and Anne into the legal profession.

    Omobhude described the celebrator as a man of integrity and strong will. He also a generous man, he added.

    Omobhude supervised the cutting of the cake, which was cut after the spell of JESUS.

    One of the lawyers celebrating their call into bar, Winifred, said she was happy for the achievement. She described her father as caring and wonderful.

    “He has been always there and I wish him long life. He is very proud of his children, saying he is always there for them.

    A lawyer, Odion Esezoobor, the Managing Partner of J. Odion Esezoobor, a law firm delivered a lecture. He spoke on the topic, “Immunity or impurity”.

    He urged lawyers, police and our leaders among other professions to ensure purity in whatever they do.

    He said the problem of Nigeria was because some people were being as they were above the law, adding, we can’t go far if this continues.

    He said impurity takes place at all levels of government, noting that the law of impurity in Nigeria has to be reviewed.

    Executive Director, Genotype Foundation, Doris Gbemiloye, said the celebrator is a man that has compassion for the people.

    She described him as a very gentle man, soft spoken. He knows what he wants and what he is doing; he goes for what he wants and he is a man of principle, she added.

    The celebrator said he felt and gave thanks to God because his life journey had been wonderful. He said he aspired for long life to do charity.

    His wife, Mrs Edith, described her husband as good, caring and a loving husband that words are not enough to qualify him. She said she wished him long life, prosperity, privileged to enjoy the fruit, of his labour and all the good things he desires.

    “He is a supportive man even in the midst of troubles in the family, he gives me and the children courage at all times,” she said.

  • ‘How insurgents killed father,his four kids and took away his wife’

    ‘How insurgents killed father,his four kids and took away his wife’

    IT was a few minutes past noon in Mubi, Adamawa State, this day. The streets were deserted. Vultures hovered in the sky above, threatening to descend on the near-decomposing human corpses scattered all over the city. Strange scenes like this have been the lot of the once boisterous, second largest city in Adamawa State since Boko Haram bandits seized control of the town.

    Since the attack, there have been ceaseless tears and sorrow on the faces of residents, especially the about 100 pregnant women who have prematurely given birth to babies in the bush or in the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    The Nation gathered that over 300 children, who have been separated from their families since the invasion, are yet to be reunited, while the fate of many mothers, fathers and other members of the family cannot be ascertained.

    According to a resident, who pleaded anonymity, “Even husbands that ran away from Mubi are yet to locate their wives, unaware if they will ever see themselves again. The situation in the town is very grim. As I speak with you, nobody is sure of where other members of their families who have been scattered are or whether they are alive or dead.”

    Survivors, who spoke with The Nation, narrated tales of narrow escape. According to them, the lucky survivors of the attack on Mubi were those who were able to recite ‘kalma shahada’, which they explained was the only sure passport to freedom for residents who are not members of the Boko Haram.

    “I tell you, it was a terrible experience. Many people were gruesomely murdered by the insurgents. The only people who were spared were those who were able to recite the kalma shahada. What happened in Mubi is better imagined than experienced. Even up till now, the smell of decomposing bodies scattered all over the city is still fouling the air.”

    Eyewitnesses’ accounts say most of the attackers are not Nigerians. According to them, most of the attackers are tall, slender, light-skinned and wore coiled hair.

    “Most of these people are not Nigerians. It is easy to identify them. None of the Boko Haram fighters is robust. They are tall, slender and very light-skinned. Their ages should be between 15 and 30 years.”

    A resident of Mubi, Mallam Abubakar Usman, said he narrowly escaped death. According to him, he trekked more than 75 kilometres to escape the onslaught of the insurgents who have now changed the name of Mubi to Madinatu Islama.

    He said he lost his uncle and other relatives. He called on the Federal Government to flush out the insurgents, whom he described as foreign invaders.

    “I trekked more than 75 kilometres to escape. I have never trekked such a distance all my life. Some people who were unable to run were slaughtered by these people. They were killed in front of their children like rams. The insurgents are foreigners. They don’t look like Nigerians at all.

    “A man was killed along with four of his children. They took away the wife with them. The woman was crying and begging them to kill her. She said she could not afford to live without her family.”

    Another indigene of Mubi, Asabe James, is yet get over the shock of witnessing the killing of her parents by the insurgents.  It was the same sorrowful tale for Jana Jabala, whose parents were also killed by the insurgents. However, she is happy to have been reunited with her two siblings who were scattered during the attack.

    “I am happy that my two brothers are alive. At least, I have a bit of consolation that not all members of my family were killed.”

    A source in Mubi pointed out that they were a sizeable number of soldiers at the home of the Chief of Army Staff, Alex Badeh; so, according to the source, it was not clear why the insurgents were able to take the town.

    Many of the soldiers, who allegedly removed their uniforms before fleeing into the bush, were said to have been assisted by the youths of the town to find their way into Yola.

    However, the army authorities have taken steps to address the problem. Shortly after the attack, the Nigerian Army was said to have posted a new commander to reorganise the 232 Tank Battalion, Yola, and pep up the morale of the troops.

    Governor Bala James Nggilari also addressed the people of the state in a broadcast, assuring them of the efforts of his government to secure their lives and property. He also urged the people not to abandon their homes but defend their territories from the invaders. He said efforts were being made by the state government to ensure that all those who left their places were kept away from danger.

    Nggilari promised that the government would resettle all the displaced persons in a decent camp and look after their health and welfare.

    The state government has also imposed a curfew on Yola and other neighbouring communities, while the use of motorcycles has been restricted in the area.

    As at the time of filing this report, more than 2,000 churches in Mubi North and Mubi South had been destroyed. According to sources, the latest church to be destroyed was the Alheli Baptist Church, built in 1922.

    Meanwhile, sources in the town say the youth of the town are willing to confront the insurgents. They, however, lamented the lack of government’s support.

    But the insurgents have already imposed Islamic law on Mubi, while more than 50 people have had their hands amputated for contravening the laws. They are also urging the people to return to the town.

    Latest raids have also seen the Boko Haram taking over Gella, the headquarters of Mubi South Local Government Area. Sources in the area told The Nation that while the council chairman, Yerima Gude, was lucky to escape to Yola, the rampaging insurgents destroyed the palace of the district head.

  • Tribune ex-official loses father

    Tribune ex-official loses father

    The father of a former worker of Nigerian Tribune, Mr Odidison Omankhanlen, has died.

    Pa Joseph Odigene Omankhanlen died on Saturday August 9.  He was 77.

    He was born in April 1937 at Ibore-Irrua.

    He worked in the state Ministry of Works where he retired in the 1990s.

    The late Pa Omankhanlen was a disciplinarian and community leader. Though a Christian of the Roman Catholic faith, he was a stickler to tradition.

    The late Pa Omankhanlen will be buried in his home at Ikekiala Quarters, Ibore–Irrua  at 10am. Traditional rites will hold on Sunday at the same venue and time.  A thanksgiving service will hold at St. Mary Catholic Church, Ibore. He is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.

  • My father has failed me, boy tells court

    My father has failed me, boy tells court

    I love my parents, but my father has failed me.” These were the words of 10-year-old Michael, whose father, Sunday Ajibulu, yesterday, prayed the Customary Court at Alakuko, a Lagos suburb, to dissolve his 12-year-old marriage told the child’s mother, Bukola.

    Michael was the sole witness in the divorce case between hi parents.

    Ajibulu, 45, an employee of Berger Paints, accused his wife of being troublesome, adding that she lacks respect for his family and neighbours.

    “Since we got married, I have not enjoyed peace. Each time she realises that I don’t greet a neighbour, she easily presumes that I am having an affair with her. She wasn’t like this when I met her. I left our home because she rain curses on me whenever we have an argument. She has succeeded in turning my son against me. I have not made love to her this year because I am fed up. I don’t want to die; please, separate us,” he explained.

    But, Bukola, 32, a teacher, denied her husband’s allegations, saying she has been a supportive and caring wife.

    “Through thick and thin, I have stood by him. Words of encouragement toward him turned a rhythm for me. I have always been a humble wife and mother. We dined together and wore the same outfit.

    “My husband left home four months ago under the pretence that he was transferred to another branch. He said it was not possible to come home daily except weekends and I believed him. On seeing a court summons, I was shocked because he still made love to me before he left home and we talk almost every day,” she said.

    She prayed the court not to dissolve the marriage because  she still loves her husband.

    The court President, Chief Godwin Awosola, ordered Ajibulu to pay N15,000 to the registrar for the child’s upkeep. He also advised the couple to maintain peace and adjourned the case till August 28 for further hearing.

  • Okwuosa a proud father

    Nigeria international defender James Okwuosa is a father for the first time after his wife gave birth to a baby boy at his base in South Africa.

    The young Okwuosa family welcomed a bouncy baby boy on Wednesday, James told AfricanFootball.com

    “I am happy to inform you that I am now a father. My wife gave birth to a bouncy baby boy on Wednesday,” said Okwuosa.

    “He is James Junior Okwuosa. I thank God, he is my first child and I am praying he takes after me.”

    Okwuosa will be hoping for equally good tidings in the South African top flight in the new season after Chippa United bounced back in fine style as lower league champions a season after they were demoted.

  • ‘A father in a million’

    ‘A father in a million’

    Family members and friends of the late Pa Davies Kehinde Orundami had every reason to be happy with the life he lived.

    The late Orundami died on March 21. He was 79.

    There was an outpouring of testimonies on his life penultimate Friday during a funeral service at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Idi-Oro, a popular Lagos suburb.

    People came from far and wide to accord him a befitting burial. They were not deterred by the rains.

    St. Paul’s parish members where the deceased worshipped for many years were full of praises for his life. His family occupied the first four central pews of the church.

    After the Bible reading from Thessalonians 4:13-18, the late Orundami’s favourite hymn, number 497 was sung. The congregation sang heartily, meditating on every word.

    All the while, the remains of the deceased lay in a brown casket before the church altar.

    In a sermon in Yoruba, the Vicar and Archdeacon of the church, Revd Adeyemo Soleye, urged all to die as Christians as the only way to salvation. The cleric observed that the deceased lived a good life with some enduring legacies, which  he charged his children to keep.

    He noted that because religion does not save one from damnation, living a righteous life is key to eternal life. He prayed for prosperity and growth to continue in their father’s spirit.

    Thereafter, the immediate family members of the late Pa Orundami, decked in uniformed yellow attires, led the congregation in  thanksgiving, singing and dancing for a life well spent.

    Guests were lavishly entertained after the interment.

    The venue was an expansive ground hosting a structure with coloured facade and huge tent, erected with metallic pillars and decorated in yellow and red colours. The field wore a different look. It seemed a hall was built on it. One could mistake it for a wedding reception.

    Food and drinks vendors had their tents separately from the large one. Cars dotted around the tent.

    Chairs were well arranged in rows.

    Melodious praise songs blared from the speakers before Yinka Ayefele and his band electrified the arena.

    The first son of the deceased, Pastor Babatunde Orundami, in a tribute, said there could not have been a better father, who instilled discipline in his children, making them who they are today. He said his father died on his birthday, March 21.

    Pastor Orundami, who is one of the ministers of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos province 17 said his father’s encouragement and training in the ways of the Lord helped him strengthen the bond between him and his siblings.

    “He trained me to be selfless to mankind and how to share with others. Stepping into his shoes as father and big brother to my siblings was never a big problem having made me act it while he was still alive.

    “His words of advice and exemplary leadership style gave me the understanding that there is strength in unity.”

    Another son of the deceased, Dr Kolawole Orundami, described his father as one who maintained a gentle mien and personality worthy of emulation.

    He said though his father was born without a silver spoon, he got himself a golden one.

    He also recalled his childhood when his father woke him and his siblings early one morning in October, 1974 to watch Mohammed Ali’s fight in Zaire; the Raleigh Chopper bicycle he got them in 1977 and the car driving lessons he gave them in 1982.

    “In one of our discussions while I was in secondary school in 1983, he told me he would like me to study Medicine, but he never insisted. I am happy I did.”

  • Father kills son ‘for stealing his N1,000’

    The police in Lagos have declared a manhunt for a man who allegedly killed his son for stealing N1,000 from the money he planned to use for buying some household items.

    The incident, it was learnt, occurred on Monday at their 6, Olarewaju Street, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos home.

    Sources said when the suspect asked for the money late on the fateful day, his son, Bright, initially denied knowledge, but later confessed on further probe.

    In anger, the suspect made to teach the deceased some lesson. In the process, he hit the boy on the head with an iron belt and he went into coma. He was rushed to a private hospital where he was later confirmed dead.

    Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the incident, saying: “On May 26, about 1.45 am, one Bright whose surname is unknown of 6, Olarewaju Street, Oregun, Ikeja, was allegedly beaten with iron belt which hit his head by his father for stealing N1,000.

    “The victim was rushed to Divine Private Hospital on Lawal Street, Oregun, where he was confirmed dead. The corpse has been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja mortuary for autopsy. The case is now being investigated at State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.”

  • Being a father has made me responsible – Terry G

    Being a father has made me responsible – Terry G

    In the eyes of many, Gabriel Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, is an eccentric. But there is much more to him than his seeming weird lifestyle.  At the moment, he is currently involved in a lot of projects that are dear to his heart. In this recent encounter with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, he talks about a number of interesting issues, including his involvement in a new talent hunt contest and fatherhood.

    WHAT is your level of involvement in the Street Champ project?

    I always love to give opportunities to new talents. So, it is the kind of things I get involved in. At the end of the day, there is always the feeling that I did the right thing by bringing hope to someone’s dream.

    As a busy person, how do you intend to mentor these young champs?

    It is all about time. We have done the press conference now to make the idea behind the project known. So, the next will be the date when the auditioning will be taking place. But I have to travel for my own engagement too. So, it is all about proper planning and understanding.

    I can see you are wearing a new look today. Could you explain the reason for this?

    It could be because you have not seen me, apart from my music. Terry G is different from Gabriel Amanyi. It is all about showbiz; I just do Terry G to make money.

    Does this have anything with your new status as a father?

    Yes, it has to do with my background too. I grew up in a God-fearing background. When I am home, I am a different person from when I am on stage.

    But your style doesn’t seem to be in sync with your background?

    Yes. However, you don’t judge a book by its cover. At other time, you just find yourself in a position that you can’t take away. I used to do good music back in the days; but now, I just do entertainment for the people. But I have been able to diversify the two personalities.

    What happened to your group, House of Ginjah?

    Let me say I was not capable enough to carry the group. Considering what groups cause in the entertainment world today, I just felt it was not the right time.

    Did you form the group because others were doing it at that time?

    No. This is how the group started. When you have friends and families that need you to help them with their dreams, the only way you can help is to try to bring them together. That was what I did at that time.

    Recently, you started the pure water business…

    In two months’ time, the NAFDAC number will be out and we can clearly go into the market system fully. We have done the necessary things like test-run and verification. But what is holding us back now is just the NAFDAC number. I want everything to be properly done. Apart from the pure water business, I am working towards other projects like the bakery and block-making factory. Also, I will be venturing into energy drink soon.”

    Why pure water business?

    I checked online and found out that, out of all the successful business we have, the water business is the most successful because no one can do without it.

    When are you releasing another album?

    That will be in five year’s time. Presently, I do not have any plans to release an album. I will be in your face doing other entertainment stuff, but I do not wish to release any album now because it does not make sense to me now. However, I will be releasing my singles, as I have been doing in recent times.

    Why?

    As I said earlier, I will still be on your face and be giving you singles. The reason I said this is because the Internet has taken over now. Everyone can go on the Internet and get any song he or she wants. So, getting to the CD will take time to end process. How many people want to buy? If they do, they burn it on the system and that is it. So, the Internet has made everything easy and accessible, meaning the market of CDs is dead.

    Are you saying the Internet has done more harm than good to the music industry?

    No, I am not saying that. It has done us good. What I am saying is that, it is faster than CD. What they need is just for you to give them good music and it is everywhere. It has done real good to the industry and I am sorry for the marketers.

    At the moment, almost all the stars are brand ambassadors. So, why have you not got any brand endorsement?

    These are the reasons you know. They say your past will haunt you (Laughs). Maybe I should say I have been unlucky. But I thank God, in spite of it all. I don’t really think about it. It is just on such a period as this when the question pops up that I get to think about it. Anyway, when I started, I had so many issues and controversies. Then, when I really started to make impact in the industry, there were so many distractions. So, I feel my past is part of the reasons for the layback, but I have started endorsing myself.

    You mentioned good music from entertainment. Could you explain better?

    The market is what we are looking at. All that you are doing is for the people. You are not doing the music or songs for yourself. For instance, the winner in this contest that we are trying to do now will be determined by the street.

    Before I bring out any hit song, I go to the street to study what people are saying and enjoying at that time. Nko ti awo eyan so, ni emi nko (it is what people are saying that I sing about). That is how I get the slangs that I use in my songs. It is not about love and girls.

    Taking about love, has it affected the way you now relate to your female fans?

    Yes, you are right. I think I am mature now. I was not patient before and I thought everything was sharp, sharp. I have now learnt that everything is a process. In other words, you have to be patient to observe and be patient to get anything you want.

    Are you actually married?

    No, but you should be expecting that.

    You are so much in love with your son the way you flaunt him all over the place. Could the same thing be said about his mother and when do you intend to tie the knot?

    By God’s grace, we are making plans for that and when it is time we will let you know. But expect baby number two before that.

    What is new about Terry G?

    Now, I have a child and I’m a father. He has given me a new life as a father. This has made me to see the other side of life. It has put me in my right place because when you are thinking about tomorrow, you will want to be more responsible. His birth has helped me a lot and even helped me to stay away from the negative things in life. Also, I’m now focusing on my brand to make it accessible, while trying to shoot musical videos.

    You have been keeping a low profile in recent times, what is happening to you?

    It’s just that it gets to a level where maturity comes in and you just have to slow down on some things, unlike when you were still a teenager. So, now that one is mature, those things one indulges in have become distractions .I became responsible since I had my kid. Now, music is no more a pleasure, but a business for me.

    How are you coping with fatherhood?

    It has been fun and I think I am now cool. It has given me the chance to relax and think of a positive life as a father. It has helped me to scare away negative friends, among other advantages.

  • Why I’ll never forgive my son’s killers —Damilola Taylor’s father

    Why I’ll never forgive my son’s killers —Damilola Taylor’s father

    RICHARD Taylor (OBE), the father of 10-year-old Nigerian child, Damilola, whose murder in Britain some years ago generated global uproar, was cool and calm as he presented the best British-born Nigerian athlete, Christine Ohoruogu, to the Nigerian media in Lagos a few weeks ago. Ohuruogu was on a visit to Nigeria for the second time to support the Damilola Taylor Foundation established by Richard and his late wife, Gloria.

    Expressing his excitement in bringing Ohoruogu, a former Commonwealth and Olympic champion, to her fatherland, Richard said: “I did not choose her; she volunteered. She said our trust is the best. She has got so much to give back. When she told me five years ago that she wanted to come to Nigeria, I told her that I would bring her. And this is an opportunity for her to give back to her society.”

    Time, they say, heals all wounds. But that was yet to hold true with Richard when The Nation broached the issue of Damilola’s gruesome murder in a society believed to be much safer than ours. Damilola was allegedly killed by four unruly British youths on a council estate in Peckham, South London, in November 2000. In a shaky voice, Richard said the only choice he had was to fight on and keep the hope of his son alive through the foundation.

    Life has been nothing but hell since he lost his son and later his wife, but he says he has found succor in the foundation. He said: “It is very sad for me that my wife had to tragically pass away as well. She was a rock behind this family. And since she passed on, we have always remembered her. We cannot do anything without her. We keep her memory in our minds and in the children’s minds. Tunde (Damilola’s brother) is here.”

    Gloria had collapsed after suffering from high blood pressure triggered by Damilola’s death, saddling Richard with the arduous task of ensuring that Tunde is not weighed down by the loss of his mother and brother.

    “I have had to make sure that everything I do, Tunde goes along with it, so that he will know his mum is being remembered. We have not forgotten about the mum, and we thank God that what you are seeing, I would never have dreamt that it would happen in my life. I thank God for making it possible for us to be hosted by the British High Commission to launch a memorable project of this nature with so much interest from people who want to be involved in the project. And I hope this is going to be historical in memory of both my wife and son.

    “You must have read the story and the poem Damilola wrote about conquering the world. When we discovered that poem in his scrap book, it gave me the courage that I have to fight this fight. I have to do what he has left behind undone. That is why we have continued to make sure that before I die, I should be able to contribute to bringing the changes that he hoped to bring into the society as he put it in his poem. So, for the rest of my life, I am committed to this and I intend to carry on,” Richard stated.

    If the killers of Damilola had expressed extreme guilt for hurting the Taylors and tried to make amends by apologising, the elder Taylor says he could have found the courage to forgive them. But they showed no remorse whatsoever, prompting Richard to declare that their forgiveness is a matter for the Almighty.

    He said: “I can never forgive those that stabbed my son to death. I have always said it is only God that forgives. It is in the bible. They have never shown any remorse. How can you forgive when you have not confessed your sins? How can I say that I have forgiven them? There are other parents who have taken their own decision on forgiveness of those who killed their son or daughter. But for me it is something that you have to show remorse for first and say sorry for the devastation that you have created in the life of this family.

    “The young man or boy who stabbed Damilola has been going from prison to prison. Every time they release him, he commits another offence and goes back to prison. So, for the rest of his life, I think he is going to live in prison. Those are parts of the punishment he will have to serve for the death of an innocent boy.”

    Recalling the journey of the 10-year-old Nigerian boy to the United Kingdom about 14 years ago, with his mother and siblings for greener pastures, the father said he had remained in the country pursuing his career. He said: “I have my roots in Nigeria. When the incident happened, I had to rush down there to support. I was a successful civil servant. I retired in the Ministry of Defence as an Assistant Director. After spending four years outside the country, I retired voluntarily.”

    Richard Taylor was, however, of the opinion that setting up a foundation in memory of his son must alienate crime and keep the environment conducive for the future leaders. He said: “The objective is to support young people to develop their potential. The government cannot do things alone in this part of the world. Even in the UK and America, there are NGOs and charity organisations that support government initiatives. Those who have shown the desire to be supported education wise, developing their talents and potentials, we need to create a safe environment for them.

    “They have to live without the fear of being attacked on the streets. Those are the kinds of awareness we have in the UK. For instance, I go to No.10 Downing Street (UK Prime Minister’s official residence) at will. Here, I cannot enter Aso Rock (Nigerian president’s official residence). Even to meet with the chairman of a local government is a big task in this country. I can enter Buckingham Palace at any time on the ground that I have an appointment.

    “In this country, we need to start doing things in a way that we can work with ourselves to get solutions. We are going to all the states, excluding the North East where there is a problem. Our project is to tackle child trafficking, child abuse and human trafficking abroad from here in Nigeria. This is a N500 million project that we are asking for donations for within Nigeria.

    “We have spoken to the Governor of Lagos State to allocate land to us in Lekki so that we can build this centre and commence the project of fighting against or tackling the issue of child trafficking and child abuse, which is something that is creating too much problem in the UK, Italy and other parts of the western world. It makes me sad when I see or hear stories about Nigerian children, women or girls going into prostitution in the UK, Italy or Japan.”

    According to Wikipedia, in 2002, four youths, including two 16-year-old brothers, went on trial at the Old Bailey over the murder of Damilola. The trial led to all four suspects being acquitted. Two were acquitted on the ruling of the judge after he said that the prosecution’s key witness, a 14-year-old girl, was unreliable. The jury found the other two not guilty. As well as questioning the reliability of the young witness, the defence presented evidence suggesting that Taylor’s wounds were consistent with his falling on a broken bottle and that he had not been the victim of an attack.

    Despite the setback, police vowed to keep the investigation open. New DNA techniques led to a re-examination of the evidence obtained at the time of Taylor’s death. In 2005, fresh arrests were made, this time on charges of manslaughter. Those arrested were Hassan Jihad, 19, and two brothers aged 16 and 17, who could not be named due to their age. There was another suspect called Kevin Wilkins.

    On January 23, 2006, Jihad (now 21 years old) and the two brothers (aged 17 and 18), not named for legal reasons, appeared at the Old Bailey to face charges of his manslaughter and assault before the start of their imminent trial. The trial commenced on January 24, 2006. In the trial Alastair Wilson, associate clinical director at the Royal London Hospital and one of Britain’s top trauma experts, testified that he thought that Taylor had died after falling on a shard of glass.

    On March 29, the jury retired to consider its verdict. On April 3, Jihad was cleared by the jury of all charges in relation to Damilola’s death. The jury could not reach a verdict on the charges of manslaughter against the two brothers, so they were set free, but with the possibility of a retrial on those charges. On April 6, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that the two would be re-tried. The retrial of the two brothers began on June 23. The two brothers, then over 18, were named as Danny and Rickie Preddie, of Peckham, South London. Both defendants were very well known to police, being involved in multiple robberies.

    On August 9, 2006, Ricky Gavin Preddie (born 1987, Lambeth, London) and Danny Charles Preddie (born 1988, Lambeth), after a 33-day retrial, were convicted of the manslaughter of Damilola Taylor. During the retrial, it was noted that while the police did follow procedure collecting evidence, lapses occurred in the prosecution. On October 9, 2006, an Old Bailey judge sentenced the Preddie brothers to eight years in youth custody for manslaughter.

    Although it was widely reported in the media that Taylor’s parents were unhappy that the sentences had not been longer, the judge, Mr Justice Goldring, went to some length to explain the factors he was forced to take into account. These included the age of the offenders at the time (12 and 13), and that there was no evidence to suggest that there had been a plan to kill Taylor. In addition, the weapon used had not been carried to the scene of the crime, but was found lying on the ground.

    Both brothers were set to be paroled in 2010 after serving half of their sentence. Ricky was released on 8 September 2010, subject to probation supervision, and subject to recall to custody if he breached the conditions or if his behaviour indicated that it was no longer safe to allow him to remain in the community. Danny was released in 2011. Ricky was recalled on March 13, 2011 because he was seen in Peckham and associating with gang members, both contrary to his parole conditions. He was released again on January 25, 2012. However, he was recalled to jail in February 2012 after a stolen motorbike was discovered at his bail hostel, thus breaching the terms of release.