A father has issued an emotional plea for information about his son’s “barbaric” killing, with police offering a £10,000 reward for any details about a suspect’s whereabouts.
Michael Fadeyibi was stabbed to death in a violent attack in Newham, east London, in August last year.
The 23-year-old was killed after being pursued through the streets in the early hours of the morning.
On the anniversary of his son’s death, Charlie Fadeyibi spoke of the family’s “immeasurable” grief and pleaded with members of the public to get in touch with police if they have any information.
“On Friday 6 August 2021 my son Michael was cruelly taken away,” he said.
“I don’t think those responsible ever considered the impact to his family when they carried out their barbaric act, when they stabbed and killed our son.
“No human being deserves such a horrible death; I can’t imagine how terrified he must have been during his last moments, how he must have fought to his last breath, to stay alive.”
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Michael was found by emergency services in Henniker Road but, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save him.
One man has already been convicted of his murder, but detectives are still looking for 26-year-old Ryan Igbinovia in relation to his killing.
Mr Igbinovia is understood to have links to the Stratford area of east London, southeast London and Birmingham.
‘It has broken me down in all aspects of life’
Mr Fadeyibi added that he cannot describe how it feels, “knowing that one of the men responsible for my son’s death is still freely walking the streets” and warned that if Mr Igbinovia is not caught, “another young person could end up dead on our streets”.
“The death of my son Michael has broken me down in all aspects of life: mentally, emotionally and physically,” he said.
“It is us as a family who have been given a life sentence, which started the day that Michael was murdered.
“We will never see our son again, nor my daughter her brother, her best friend.”
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‘I’m certain that somebody will know where he is hiding’
Metropolitan Police has offered the substantial reward to anyone with information that could lead to Mr Igbinovia being found and arrested by officers.
“Michael’s family have been devastated by his death, and they deserve to see both those responsible brought to justice,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.
“I am certain that somebody will know where Igbinovia is hiding. If you have seen him, or know where he is, then I would implore you to please get in touch.”
Last month, Christopher Owens-Wright was found guilty of Michael’s murder and is due to be sentenced next month.
Anyone with information about Ryan Igbinovia’s whereabouts is asked to call the police incident room on 020 8345 1570.
Alternatively, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
