ISMAHEEL AKINADE SHOCKS WATERFORD AND KILDARE WITH CRIMINAL PAST AND FOOTBALL CAREER

In a startling revelation, the case of Ismaheel Akinade, a professional footballer associated with Waterford FC, has come under intense scrutiny due to his involvement in a serious criminal matter that has shocked both the local community and the wider public.

Originally from Nigeria, Akinade’s name has been linked to a disturbing incident involving the gang rape of a schoolgirl, an event that has garnered significant media attention and legal proceedings. Despite the gravity of the allegations, Akinade was able to avoid immediate deportation after his conviction, thanks to a controversial decision by Justice Bernard Barton, who granted him asylum on the grounds that he was considered a 'hot prospect for the future for Irish football.'

Details of the case reveal that Akinade was involved in a heinous act that took place in Waterford, where he was part of a group that assaulted a young girl. The incident, which occurred in March 2010, involved multiple offenders, including other young men from Kildare, who were later convicted and sentenced. The victim, a 14-year-old girl at the time, endured a traumatic experience that has left lasting scars.

In October 2014, three young men from Kildare—Edgar Ojo, Olajafar Adetoro, and Ismaheel Akinade—were sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for three years, after pleading guilty to charges related to the sexual abuse of the girl. The case was delayed for four years, a fact that Judge Mary Ellen Ring publicly apologized for, citing the unnecessary prolonging of justice and the emotional toll on the victim. The judge expressed her disappointment that the case had taken so long to resolve, emphasizing that such delays are unacceptable and should be avoided in future proceedings.

Ojo, who resided in Lough Na Mona Park, admitted to sexually assaulting the girl in his home and attempting to defile her in other locations, including a forest clearing. Adetoro, from Easton Close, also pleaded guilty to similar offenses committed in Leixlip. Akinade, residing in Rinawade Vale, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and attempted defilement at Ojo’s residence. The court heard that on one occasion, the three men took turns raping the girl in a forest, with witnesses present. The victim’s emotional testimony detailed how she was called derogatory names and how her life has been profoundly affected by the ordeal.

The victim revealed that she continues to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts, and her social life has been severely impacted. She shared that her family relationships have broken down due to societal attitudes towards pre-marital sex, and she remains on anti-depressants. Despite her suffering, she expressed a desire not to be pitied, emphasizing her resilience amid ongoing social media harassment and public scrutiny.

Law enforcement officials, including Garda Paul Carney, provided evidence that DNA tests confirmed the presence of semen from the accused on the victim’s clothing and on condoms found at the scene. The girl recounted that she was in pain during some of the assaults but felt powerless to resist, believing she had no choice. The court proceedings highlighted the brutal nature of the crimes and the profound impact on the victim’s mental health.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Akinade’s football career continues, especially given his criminal past and the fact that many in Waterford, including members of the Nigerian community, were unaware of his history until recent revelations. The case has raised questions about the oversight and vetting processes within Irish football clubs and the broader implications for community safety and integration.

As of now, Ismaheel Akinade has been deported back to Nigeria, following the legal and public outcry over his case. The incident remains a stark reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and the ongoing challenges faced by victims of sexual violence in seeking justice and support.