By Folarin Kehinde
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad and ensuring justice for victims of crimes in foreign countries following the conviction and sentencing of a man for the killing of two Nigerians in Canada.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission’s 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 the possibility of parole for 25 years for the murders of Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe.
The victims were killed in a nightclub shooting in Vaughan, Ontario, on July 23, 2022.
According to the Commission, the convict was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of unlawfully causing bodily harm.
NiDCOM described the judgment as a significant milestone in the pursuit of accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
“The judgment represents a significant step toward accountability and justice for the victims and their loved ones,” the statement said.
The Commission stressed that it remains committed to the welfare, protection and support of Nigerians in the diaspora and will continue to advocate for justice whenever Nigerian citizens become victims of crimes abroad.
“NiDCOM reiterates its commitment to the welfare, protection and support of Nigerians in the diaspora and remains steadfast in advocating for justice whenever Nigerian citizens are victims of crimes abroad,” the statement added.
While welcoming the court’s decision, NiDCOM noted that no judicial outcome could undo the loss suffered by the families or erase the pain caused by the deaths of the two young Nigerians.
The Commission commended the law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities involved in the investigation, extradition, prosecution and eventual conviction of the offender, describing their efforts as instrumental to securing justice.
It also praised the resilience, patience and perseverance demonstrated by the families of the deceased throughout the legal process.
NiDCOM 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.
The Commission said he was the only son of Mr. Ikechukwu Momah and had hoped to support and reunite with members of his family in Canada.
Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, on the other hand, was reportedly killed while carrying out his duties as a security personnel.
According to NiDCOM, both men were remembered by family members, friends and colleagues as hardworking and ambitious young Nigerians who were committed to building better futures for themselves and their loved ones.
The Commission also recalled that following the tragic incident in 2022, its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, visited the bereaved families to express solidarity and offer condolences.
NiDCOM extended its sympathies to the Momah and Amos-Arowoshegbe families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
