The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has welcomed the life sentence imposed by a Canadian court on the man convicted of killing two young Nigerians in a nightclub shooting in Ontario, describing the judgment as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
The Ontario Court of Justice sentenced the offender to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for 25 years after finding him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of unlawfully causing bodily harm.
This was made known in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM.
The conviction stems from a deadly shooting at a nightclub in Vaughan, Ontario, on July 23, 2022, which claimed the lives of Chibueze Momah and Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NiDCOM said the ruling demonstrates that perpetrators of violent crimes will ultimately be held accountable, regardless of how long the judicial process takes.
The Commission noted that while the judgment cannot erase the pain of losing loved ones, it provides a measure of closure and justice for the bereaved families.
“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 read.
NiDCOM recalled that Chibueze Momah was just 22 years old when he was killed. A recent graduate with a diploma in Computer Programming, he had ambitions of building a successful career in the technology sector and supporting his family.
The Commission said Momah, the only son of Mr. Ikechukwu Momah, had dreamed of reuniting with and assisting members of his family in Canada.
His fellow victim, Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe, lost his life while carrying out his duties as a security personnel on the night of the incident.
According to NiDCOM, both young men were remembered by family members, friends and colleagues as hardworking, ambitious and determined individuals striving for a brighter future.
Following the tragedy in 2022, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, , visited the families of the deceased to offer condolences and assure them of the Commission’s support.
The Commission commended Canadian law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities for their diligence in investigating the case, prosecuting the offender and securing a conviction.
It also praised the resilience and patience displayed by the victims’ families throughout the legal proceedings.
NiDCOM reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerians living abroad and pledged to continue advocating for justice whenever Nigerians 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 departed souls
