Qayyum was a computer science student studying in Maynooth and would have graduated next year
Paul Healy and Michael O’Toole
02:00, 03 Jun 2026
The family of Qayyum Balogun who was brutally stabbed to death in a vicious assault have told of their devastation at the loss of the “good, friendly and quiet” young man.
Qayyum, 21, died after he was stabbed three times in a suspected targeted attack during an event at the club in Bewley’s on Grafton Street, Dublin, at around 3am on Bank Holiday Monday morning. The young man’s devastated mother, Teslimot Balogun, described her beloved son as a very quiet, good guy who didn’t cause trouble.
“Qayyum is our first son,” Teslimot shared. “He died instantly. When we got to the hospital, I found my son’s dead body. That was around 5 o’clock on Monday morning in St James’s Hospital in Dublin,” she told RTE ’s Drivetime.
“He’s a very quiet guy. He goes on his own, he doesn’t cause trouble. He’s a very funny guy, he’s always friendly. He’s a good boy, very quiet, easygoing boy. He doesn’t cause trouble, goes his own way, and does his own thing like his dad. He was his dad’s best friend.”
Qayyum’s heartbroken stepmother, Loveth Patrick said he was “gentle, calm” and one of the “sweetest souls” you would ever meet, as she called for justice. “He is one of the sweetest soul, so if this is happening, we don’t know why. So that is the question we want, and we want justice for Qayyum.”
Qayyum was a computer science student studying in Maynooth and would have graduated next year. Loveth said his death was an “unbelievable shock”. “Qayyum is my husband’s first son,” she explained. “He’s always smiling. He doesn’t look for trouble. He’s not in a gang…. the things they are passing through on this media is false. Qayyum is not in a gang. Qayyum worked in Burger King, close to my house.”
She continued: “If Qayyum were still be alive. He should be graduating next year. This is unbelievable shock. We need justice for Qayyum. We need justice for Qayyum. That is all we need.”
Padraig McGovern, principal of O Fiaich college in Dundalk where Qayyum used to study, praised him as a chap with ambition who was a credit to his family and community. “Qayyum was a lovely young lad,” he shared. “Very much part of our school community, did very well in his programs here, both his Leaving Cert and his further education program.
“A guy with ambition, a guy with a goal, and a chap with that was making this goal real, if you, if you like, and being successful. A credit to his family, a credit to his community, and getting on with it.” He added: “Just everybody here is really shocked, and the wider community, people are ringing me as well, in shock and almost disbelief. And I cannot imagine the devastation that has just fallen in his family.”
The tragic nightclub promoter died in a horrific stab murder amid a row at an event at a club in Bewley’s on Bank Holiday Monday morning. Gardai are now set to launch a murder investigation into the death – after it is suspected Qayyum was targeted twice during the course of the incident – including being hunted down as he ran for his life.
The scene of a fatal stabbing on Clarendon Street, Dublin City centre. Pic: Conor Ó Mearáin / Collins Photo Agency
We have established he was stabbed in the arm in the initial attack on Grafton Street – before being pursued onto nearby Clarendon Street, where he was attacked again, this time with fatal consequences. Today several tributes have poured out for the young victim whose family came originally from Nigeria.
The Black and Irish organisation stated: “Qayyum Balogun had his life taken far too soon. Today our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him as they face unimaginable loss. As a society, we must continue to speak out against the violence that has claimed too many lives in recent weeks.
“Violence has no place in our communities, and it is important to remember that serious crime is not exclusive to any one community or background.”
Meanwhile, the Black Coalition of Ireland said it was “deeply saddened” by his death and extended its condolences to his family and friends.
“A young man with dreams, hopes, talents, and a future ahead of him has been taken too soon. Behind every headline is a family whose world has been shattered, friends whose lives will never be the same, and a community struggling to make sense of yet another devastating act of violence,” they added.
“Communities across Ireland are grappling with growing concerns about violence, youth safety, and the increasing presence of knife-related incidents. While investigations must be allowed to proceed, one thing is clear: every life lost to violence is one life too many.
“It leaves lasting wounds on parents, siblings, friends, classmates, and entire communities. It creates fear where there should be hope, trauma where there should be healing, and division where there should be unity.”
(Image: Damien Storan)
The Africa Solidarity Centre also issued a statement expressing its “profound shock, sadness and outrage,” following the death.
“The Africa Solidarity Centre Ireland unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and criminality. Those responsible for any criminal acts must be identified, prosecuted and fully held accountable through due process and rule of law.”
Sources also told us a young woman was stabbed in the initial incident, which involved several people. Gardai have appealed for anyone with camera footage to come forward.
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