The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the reported killing of a 19-year-old Nigerian student, Afolabi Stephen, in Manitoba, Canada. 

She described the incident as “wicked” and assured that NIDCOM would actively pursue justice in the matter.

In a heartfelt condolence message, Dabiri-Erewa, as conveyed by the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, expressed shock at the tragic news. 

She stated, “We are in touch with the Nigerians mission in Ottawa who have the assurances of the Canadian authorities that investigations into the unfortunate incident have begun and will be thorough.”

Dabiri-Erewa extended her deepest condolences to Afolabi’s family and friends, praying for the soul of the young student to rest in perfect peace.

‘We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul to rest in perfect peace,” she said.

The circumstances surrounding Afolabi Stephen’s death are still unclear. According to reports, he was allegedly killed by police on December 31, 2023, in Manitoba, Canada. 

The Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department released a statement on its website, stating that officers responded to a call about a young male exhibiting “erratic” behavior. 

Despite efforts to calm him down, the situation escalated, leading to the discharge of a firearm by the police and the tragic death of Afolabi Stephen.

Dabiri-Erewa’s strong stance reflects the commitment of NIDCOM to ensuring a thorough investigation and seeking justice for the untimely demise of the Nigerian student in Canada.