19-year-old Nigerian killed by Canadian police

Submitted by Jane A, 17. Jan 2024 in Visa/ Canada, UK, Australia, USA etc

Jane A

Junior

12 posts

Posted on 17. Jan 2024

Afolabi Stephen Opaso, affectionately known as Zigi, was a 19-year-old Nigerian studentstudying economics at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. His life was tragically cut short on New Year’s Eve when he was fatally shot by Winnipeg police officers.

Here are the details surrounding the incident:

Well-Being Call:
- Officers were responding to a well-being call at an apartment on University Crescent.
- Opaso was in the suite with two other people at the time.
Confrontation:
- When the officers arrived, they were confronted by an armed man—Afolabi Stephen Opaso.
- Opaso was reported to have been armed with two knives.
Fatal Shooting:
- In the encounter that followed, Opaso was shot by the police.
- He was taken to the hospital in critical condition but tragically died from his injuries

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU), which serves as the police watchdog agency, is currently investigating the shooting. Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth confirmed that Opaso was armed with two knives during the confrontation. Opaso’s friends remember him as a happy teen who loved dancing and music. His untimely death has sparked calls for justice and raised awareness about mental health crisis responses by law enforcement agencies.

The effect on the family

Here are some additional details about his family and the aftermath of his passing:

Family in Nigeria:
- Afolabi’s family resides in Nigeria and was unable to attend the vigil held in Winnipeg to honor his memory.
- Despite their physical absence, their grief was represented through an emotional statement read by their lawyer, Jean-René.
Funeral Arrangements:
- The Opaso family is currently in the process of making funeral arrangements for Afolabi.
- They are also working on obtaining visas to come to Canada to pay their final respects to their beloved son and brother.
Fundraising Efforts:
- A fundraiser has been organized by Seun Remi on behalf of The Opaso family to support Afolabi’s funeral and legal expenses.
- You can contribute towards the fundraiser here:
  https://www.gofundme.com/f/afolabi-stephen-opaso
- The goal is to raise $40,000, and any contributions will go a long way in honoring Afolabi’s memory and providing closure for his family.

Afolabi’s untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. His family seeks solace in the memories they shared with their vibrant and talented son, and they appreciate the support from friends, well-wishers, and the community during this difficult time.

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