Fashion designer, family robbed at gunpoint

…Fashion house razed to the ground

In 2022, fashion designer Bisiriyu Sodiq Damilare experienced a series of devastating events in Ibadan, Oyo State. First, he was robbed at gunpoint in his home at Elewure, Soka area. Shortly after, the fashion house he inherited from his father was tragically destroyed by fire. In addition, his point-of-sale (POS) shops were burglarised, resulting in substantial debts and the tragic loss of a worker during one of the robbery incidents.

The robbery of the POS shops was the final blow for Damilare, who was already attempting to rebuild his life. Initially dismissing the incidents as mere coincidence, his perspective changed when members of his fashion designers’ association paid him a visit. Expecting words of comfort, he was instead confronted with threats and demands to cease his fashion business.

It all looked like one big joke until they made the threat to wipe out his whole family. It was then that it dawned on him that all the series of disasters that had befallen him was no accident. It was actually a result of jealousy and campaign of hatred by his fellow fashion designers who feel threatened by his career and financial success.

When the pressure became too intense to continue his fashion business in Ibadan, he was forced to relocate to Oyo town. However, the relocation did not help as the association which has branches all over the country continues to hound his every move. The threats and attacks continued unabated which made his wife, Sherifat Aregbesola and children, Jamaal and Sulatan (six and four years old respectively) to abandon their home.

Moreover, the huge debts incurred as a result of the  burgled POS shops have also led Damilare into insolvency as he could no longer pay his creditors. The mounting pressure and threats from creditors combined with the incessant attacks from the fashion designers association have made Bisiriyu Damilare flee his home and family. Despite efforts by his family and friends to locate Damilare, he still remains missing.

Meanwhile, investigations into Damilare’s whereabouts and the threats against his life and business are ongoing. Anybody with information that can lead to his whereabouts should come forward or contact the nearest police station.