In an exclusive account that underscores fear, displacement and a family in distress, mother of Seidat, Mrs. Moshood has narrated how her daughter, Seidat Iyabo Moshood, and son-in-law, Sharafadeen Olaide Adeleke, fled Nigeria and are now in Canada seeking protection following alleged threats to their lives.
Speaking with Event Diary Lifestyle, the mother described a chain of events that began with a private incident in 2023 but quickly spiralled into a public crisis within their community—one that, according to her, forced the couple into hiding and eventual exile.
“Since this issue came out, our lives have not remained the same. My daughter and her husband had to run for their lives,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.
The story began in 2023. What started as a private lapse involving her daughter and a female acquaintance quickly turned into a matter of public outrage. Word spread through the tight-knit community, and soon, religious leaders were involved.
Her son-in-law was summoned and allegedly pressured to divorce Seidat, while threats of punishment, including so-called jungle justice, loomed large over the family.
"They said she must be punished. People were talking about stoning her. We were terrified," she said.
With their safety hanging by a thread, Seidat and Sharafadeen made the difficult decision to leave everything behind. They could not trust that the community, or even local authorities, would protect them.
"They knew they were not safe anywhere. Even staying home was risky. Every day became a nightmare," Mrs. Moshood explained.
Their children were left with a trusted relative, but even that safety net would soon unravel.
As fear mounted, the family alleges that police officers became involved. They reportedly visited the Moshood family home, searching for the couple and asking questions about their whereabouts.
"The shock was too much for me. I collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Since then, I have been receiving treatment," Mrs. Moshood said.
The constant pressure has left the family traumatized, living in fear for their lives and the lives of their grandchildren.
One of the most painful consequences of the ordeal is the uncertainty surrounding the children.
"The person who was taking care of the children is nowhere to be found now. We don’t know where our grandchildren are. That is the greatest pain for me," Mrs. Moshood lamented.
Despite their desperate circumstances, financial limitations initially delayed their departure. They had to gather resources while remaining in hiding. By December 2023, Seidat and Sharafadeen managed to leave Nigeria and arrived in Canada, seeking refuge.
"They didn’t run because they wanted to abandon their family. They ran because staying in Nigeria would mean prison, torture, or worse," the mother said.
Even from afar, Mrs. Moshood continues to fear for their safety. She has advised her daughter and son-in-law not to return to Nigeria, citing ongoing threats from both community members and law enforcement.
"I have told them not to come back. The police are still looking for them, and the situation is still dangerous," she said.
She also made an emotional appeal to Canadian authorities to grant them protection:
"We are begging the Government of Canada to protect them. Sending them back would put their lives in grave danger."
While Seidat and Sharafadeen begin an uncertain new chapter abroad, the family they left behind continues to endure fear, heartbreak, and unanswered questions. For Mrs. Moshood, the hope is simple yet profound.
"All I want is for my children to be safe and for my grandchildren to be found," she said.