By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi
Nearly four years after a deadly nightclub shooting in Canada that claimed the lives of two young Nigerians, a Canadian court has sentenced the perpetrator to life imprisonment, bringing a measure of justice and closure to the victims’ families.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM welcomed the conviction and sentencing of the offender responsible for the deaths of Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe during a shooting incident at a nightclub in Vaughan, Ontario, on July 23, 2022.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Commission disclosed that the Ontario Court of Justice found the accused guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of unlawfully causing bodily harm.
The court subsequently sentenced him to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for 25 years.
Reacting to the judgment, NiDCOM described the verdict as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice, noting that although no sentence can reverse the tragedy or restore the lives lost, the ruling offers some comfort to the grieving families.
The Commission paid tribute to the victims, recalling that Chibueze Momah was only 22 years old when he was killed. A recent graduate with a diploma in Computer Programming, Momah had aspirations of building a successful career in Canada’s technology sector. He was the only son of his parents and was remembered as a hardworking and ambitious young man determined to create a brighter future.
His fellow victim, Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, was working as a security personnel at the time of the incident. Friends, relatives and colleagues described him as dedicated, diligent and committed to improving the lives of those around him.
Following the tragedy, NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, visited the bereaved families to express condolences and assure them of the Commission’s support throughout the difficult period. She also offered prayers for strength and comfort as they coped with their loss.
NiDCOM commended Canadian law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities for their commitment to ensuring justice through a thorough investigation, prosecution and eventual conviction of the offender. The Commission also acknowledged the resilience and patience demonstrated by the victims’ families during the lengthy legal process.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad, NiDCOM pledged to continue advocating for justice whenever citizens become victims of crimes overseas, while expressing hope that the court’s decision will bring some measure of peace to the families of the deceased.
