Reports indicate that the family of Ilesanmi has fled Nigeria over religion persecution and planned genital mutilation of their child, Stephanie.
Mrs. Mulikat Olamide Ilesanmi, her mother had fled to South Africa, to protect her child but was forced to come back to Nigeria due to xenophobic attack against Nigerians in the country. They later fled to the United States from where they ran to Canada.
Recently, a non-governmental organization, Women Against Violence and Exploitation (WAVE) Foundation had called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) a criminal act so as to strengthen punishment for the perpetrators.
Mrs. Mulikat had insisted that, as a Christian, genital mutilation, aside the mental and psychological it pain it could have on the child, it is also against her faith – which had also been an issue of contention between her and the family.
Due to her conversion from Islam to Christianity, Mrs. Mulikat was attacked at Ilupeju, a busy area within Lagos, before she and her husband left for the United States. She reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries. One Alhaji Ganiu Mustapha, her uncle, who had earlier been threatening her, was said to have sent assailants to her as a form of threat.
According to sources, the incident was reported to the nearest police station for the arrest of the criminals. But it was learnt that the police refused to take necessary action, saying that the issues involved should be settled amicably within the family despite the fact she lost her pregnancy to the attack. She was again attacked by some Islamist fundamentalists – this time with strong warning that she should produce Stephanie’s for the traditional rite; and convert back to Islam by divorcing her husband.
As reliably gathered, the family head Alhaji Ganiu Mustapha is the caucus leader and one of the god fathers in all region in All Progressive Party (APC) in Nigeria. The party produced the current president hence making it difficult for the family to relocate to any other part of the country.
As at present, Alhaji Mustapha is the MD/CEO Of Musty Group of Co (a family owned business) which he took over after the demise of his late younger brother Muritala Adebisi Mustapha who died on 21 August, 2016.
Being a transportation / trucking business which has its operation in Nigeria and some part of West Africa, over the years, through its efficient delivery system, it has gained enormous connection both within the political, military, private business owners and corporate bodies.
This company has its impact felt with movement of goods and services from point A to Z, which involves movement within the northern, Southern, Eastern and western region of the country whilst extending to some part of West Africa such as Togo, Benin and Ghana.
The company also have investment in real estate business i.e. property in Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt, Benin, Kwara and Oyo just to mention a few whereby it also make some substantial income.
Mr. Ilesanmi Olaniyi Sunday, decided to send his family to South Africa for safety, which unfortunately coincided with the rapid xenophobic attack hence being forced to send them back home before they finally ran to the United States. But reports say the family is now in Canada.