Irene Ajayi Akerele - the mother of missing Coventry Masters degree student Ozeivo (Ozi) Akerele has issued a heartfelt appeal for information which could lead to finding her son.
Mother's appeal in search of Ozi Akerele
Inspector Alastair Orencas is leading the search for Ozi. He said: "We believe that Ozi made a call asking to be picked up near to Coventry University in the early hours of Saturday 31 January. However, when his lift arrived he was not there and has not been seen since.
"He may have been on Foleshill Road, specifically between Park Street and the A444, around 7am on Saturday 31 January. A man of similar description was seen talking to a taxi driver in a black hackney cab opposite Lloyds Bank and a short time later the same man is believed to have been seen attempting to talk to motorists further up Foleshill Road, near to Cross Road."
Ozeivo (Ozi) Akerele
Ozeivo (Ozi) Akerele
The 24-year-old arrived from Nigeria weeks ago to study for a MSc Management of Information Technology after completing studies in Nigeria. He left behind three younger brothers and his widowed mother, who is Vice Principal at a secondary school in Abuja.
Ozi is described as black, 6’ 2" tall and of a slim build. He was last seen wearing jeans, distinctive blue and white converse trainers and a grey/black zip-up jacket.
His mother said: “Ozi is on the quiet side, he doesn’t talk much, but he is a happy boy, he’s always excited. He likes friends around him, he’s very generous.
“He was happy to come to Coventry University, he wanted it, he sought the admission himself. At times now, I regret sending him out to do his Masters Degree.
“I can’t be alone without him, I can’t leave without Ozeivo.”
Coventry police have released CCTV of Ozi’s last known movements after he left friends at the Iglu club in Spon Street around 3.30am.
Police release CCTV footage of Ozi Akerele's last recorded movements
Rugby fans attending a match between Wasps and Gloucester at the Ricoh Arena will be handed leaflets asking them to help in the search for the missing student. Police want fans to check outhouses and sheds for any signs that Ozi might have taken shelter for the night.
Ozeivo (Ozi) Akerele
Ozeivo (Ozi) Akerele
If anyone has any information then please call Coventry police on 101.