NiDCOM Welcomes Life Sentence for Killer of Two Nigerian Youths in Canada

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has welcomed the conviction and life sentence handed down by a Canadian court to the man found guilty of murdering two young Nigerians in a nightclub shooting in Ontario, describing the judgment as a significant victory for justice.

The victims, Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, were killed during a shooting incident at a nightclub in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, on July 23, 2022.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 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 Commission noted that while the court’s decision cannot undo the pain suffered by the families or bring back the deceased, it represents an important step toward accountability.

“While no judicial outcome can restore the lives of the deceased or erase the pain endured by their families, the sentencing represents a significant step toward accountability and justice for the victims and their loved ones,” the statement said.

NiDCOM recalled that Chibueze Momah, who was 22 years old at the time of his death, was a promising Nigerian graduate with a diploma in Computer Programming and aspirations of building a successful career in the technology industry.

According to the Commission, Momah was the only son of Mr. Ikechukwu Momah and had hoped to support and reunite with members of his family in Canada.

His fellow victim, Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, was reportedly working as a security personnel when he lost his life during the incident.

Both men were described as hardworking, ambitious and committed to creating better futures for themselves and their families.

NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, , had visited the bereaved families following the tragedy in 2022 to express solidarity and offer condolences on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Commission commended the efforts of Canadian law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities involved in the investigation, prosecution and eventual conviction of the offender.

It also praised the resilience and patience displayed by the victims’ families throughout the lengthy legal process.

NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians living abroad and pledged to continue advocating for justice whenever Nigerian citizens become victims of crimes in foreign countries.

“As the families continue to mourn their loved ones, NiDCOM remains steadfast in advocating for justice whenever Nigerian citizens are victims of crimes abroad,” the Commission stated.

The Commission extended its condolences to the Momah and Amos-Arowoshegbe families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.