Gardaí are continuing to seek witnesses to the brutal assault last week that led to the death of a Nigerian taxi driver in Dublin.
Moses Ayanwole, who lived with is his wife Olusola, 37, and 12-year-old son in Clonsilla, died in St James’s Hospital on 23 November from his injuries.
Gardaí said the 41-year-old taxi driver was seriously assaulted by a man in his 20s in the early hours of Monday 21 November on Pearse Street, near the junction of Erne Street.
The alleged attacker, who was seen walking away in the direction of Erne Street, was arrested two days later in Dublin’s south inner city area and briefly detained at Pearse Street Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
While fighting for his life in hospital, members of Ayanwole’s Pentecostal church in Dublin prayed fervently in hope that God would save his life.
In solidarity with the vigil held outside St James’s Hospital, members of the Christ Ambassador Church in Dublin also came together to support the family under the leadership of Pastor Lawrence Oyetunji.
“The basis of our prayer is divine intervention,” said Pastor Oyetunji. “It is a head injury, there is little that the hospital can do, so we are praying that God will keep him alive.”
Following Ayalwole’s death, the pastor said the church continues to be one of the main sources of support for his immediate family.
“Church is like a family,” said Pastor Oyetunji. “As a church we need to come around, we need to support them emotionally and spiritually through prayer.”
Gardaí said they were unable to comment on whether the attacks that led to Ayanwole’s death was racially motivated, pending the outcome of its investigation into the incident. It is believed, however, that the murder may not be unconnected with a dispute over a fare.
At press time, a family source told Metro Éireann that burial arrangements would be announced once Ayanwole’s body is released to the family.
Anyone with information regarding the attack on Moses Ayanwole should contact Pearse Street Garda Station at 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any local Garda station.
