In a heart-wrenching interview, Josephine Ogundipe, the mother of the late 26-year-old Alanis, who tragically took her own life in the United Kingdom on May 29, opens up about the harrowing experiences her daughter endured in the days leading up to her death.
Q: What do you miss about your daughter since her death?
A: I miss everything about my daughter, her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, lovely personality, and more than anything speaking to her and feeling so proud of the strong, confident, and independent woman she had become.
Q: How did you relate with her after her father returned to Nigeria in 2012?
A: Alanis and I were extremely close. Over the years, I was her confidant and supported her through many obstacles and challenges she faced. She was an achiever and exceptionally gifted, knowing exactly what she wanted in life.
Q: When did you know about her relationship with Ryan Leggetts?
A: Alanis told me on May 30, 2022, about her introduction to Ryan Leggett through a blind date set up by her alleged best friend, Serena Gate. However, the relationship took a dark turn, and Ryan became increasingly controlling.
Q: How would you describe your last 48 hours with her?
A: During the last 48 hours, I found my daughter in a fragile and highly traumatized state. She had been kicked out by Ryan, and her distress escalated as he broke into her phone, leaving her vulnerable and isolated. The situation took a tragic turn, leading to her untimely death.
Q: What did you deduce from her conversation with Ryan while you were with her?
A: My worst fears were confirmed – Ryan was utterly controlling, preying on her vulnerability. He demanded money regularly and manipulated her into believing he was the only one who could help her, isolating her from friends and family.
Q: Have you got any invitations from the police since your daughter died?
A: No, to date, British Transport Police and Greater Manchester Police have failed to take a statement from me despite being a primary witness to events immediately before her suicide. We are still fighting for justice and appropriate investigation.
Q: As a psychologist who has worked with organizations that partner with the police on domestic abuse cases, do you feel the police are doing enough in your case?
A: The authorities have not taken appropriate steps, and there is a lack of support in seeking justice for Alanis. Coercive control, central to the abuse she suffered, was not adequately addressed by the police.
This heartbreaking interview sheds light on the profound impact of domestic abuse and the challenges faced in seeking justice for victims like Alanis.