Nearly four years after a tragic nightclub shooting in Canada claimed the lives of two promising young Nigerians, a Canadian court has delivered a landmark judgment that family members and supporters hope will bring a measure of closure to a painful chapter marked by grief and loss.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of the individual found guilty of killing Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe during a shooting incident at a nightclub in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, on July 23, 2022.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Ontario Court of Justice sentenced the offender to life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 25 years after convicting him on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of unlawfully causing bodily harm.
The Commission described the judgment as a significant step toward accountability and justice, noting that while no court verdict can restore the lives lost or erase the pain endured by the families, the sentencing represents an important measure of closure for the victims’ loved ones.
Chibueze Momah, who was 22 years old at the time of his death, was described as a bright and ambitious young Nigerian who had recently earned a diploma in Computer Programming and aspired to build a successful career in the technology sector.
He was the only son of Mr. Ikechukwu Momah and was widely regarded by family members and friends as a promising young man with a strong desire to support his family and establish a future in Canada.
His fellow victim, Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, lost his life while performing his duties as a security personnel. Like Momah, he was remembered by relatives, colleagues and friends as hardworking, dedicated and determined to create better opportunities for himself and his loved ones.
Following the tragic incident in 2022, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, paid condolence visits to the bereaved families and assured them of the Commission’s support during their period of mourning.
She also offered prayers for strength and comfort for the families as they grappled with the devastating loss of their loved ones.
NiDCOM commended the efforts of Canadian law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities for their roles in the investigation, extradition, prosecution and eventual conviction of the offender.
The Commission also praised the resilience, patience and courage displayed by the families throughout the lengthy legal process.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad, NiDCOM stated that it would continue to advocate for justice whenever Nigerian citizens become victims of crimes in foreign countries.
The Commission extended its continued condolences to the Momah and Amos-Arowoshegbe families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls, while expressing hope that the court’s decision would provide some comfort to those still mourning the loss of the two young Nigerians.
