Elizabeth O.
Nigerian Student Fatally Shot by Winnipeg Police Identified as 19-Year-Old Afolabi Stephen Opaso
Afolabi Stephen was studying Economics at the University of Manitoba as an international student. The family of the deceased is being assisted by Jean-René-Dominique Kwilu, a Winnipeg lawyer.
According to reports, Winnipeg police responded to a call regarding a man acting erratically in an apartment suite located in the first 100 block of University Crescent. Upon arrival, two officers discovered three individuals inside the suite. Police Chief Danny Smyth stated that one of the individuals, a 19-year-old man later identified as Opaso, was armed with two knives.
Also, in the ensuing encounter, one of the officers shot the man in what was described as a “use of force encounter.” Opaso was immediately taken to the hospital in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The other two individuals in the suite were unharmed.
Witnesses, as relayed by Kwilu, have indicated that Afolabi Stephen was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the incident.
Also, the person present in the suite who called 911 clarified that it was a mental health situation and that Opaso posed no threat to anyone.
Kwilu emphasized that there is currently no indication that Opaso attacked the police officers.
Opaso’s family, who are not present in Winnipeg, are devastated by the tragic turn of events. They had sent him to Canada to pursue his education, and now they must face the heartbreaking reality of his return in a coffin.
Subsequently, Kwilu stated that the family has concerns about the handling of the situation by the police and seeks answers as to why a mental health call resulted in Opaso’s death.
However, the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is conducting an investigation into the shooting and is urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward and assist in the inquiry.
