The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has commended the conviction and life sentence handed down by a Canadian court to the individual found guilty of killing two Nigerian youths, Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, in a nightclub shooting in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
The Commission described the judgment as a significant step toward justice and accountability for the victims and their families.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM said the Ontario Court of Justice sentenced the offender to life imprisonment without 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 tragic incident occurred on July 23, 2022, when Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe lost their lives during a shooting at a nightclub in Vaughan, Ontario.
While noting that no court verdict can reverse the pain of losing loved ones, NiDCOM said the sentencing provides some measure of justice for the bereaved families.
The Commission recalled that Chibueze Momah, who was 22 years old at the time of his death, had recently graduated with a diploma in Computer Programming and was looking forward to building a career in the technology sector. He was the only son of Mr. Ikechukwu Momah and was widely regarded as a hardworking and ambitious young man with aspirations of supporting and reuniting his family in Canada.
Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe was also remembered as a dedicated and hardworking individual who lost his life while performing his duties as a security personnel.
NiDCOM noted that both victims were admired by family members, friends and colleagues for their commitment to creating better futures for themselves and their loved ones.
The Commission further recalled that shortly after the tragic incident, its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, paid condolence visits to the affected families and assured them of the Commission’s support during their period of grief.
NiDCOM praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities involved in the investigation, extradition, prosecution and eventual conviction of the offender. It also commended the resilience and patience displayed by the victims’ families throughout the legal proceedings.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad, the Commission pledged to continue advocating for justice whenever Nigerians become victims of crimes in foreign countries.
NiDCOM extended its condolences once again to the Momah and Amos-Arowoshegbe families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased.
