The death of Afolabi Opaso, a 19-year-old international student, on December 31, 2023, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has left his family grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and mounting frustration over the protracted investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise. Opaso was fatally shot by a Winnipeg police officer during a well-being check at his apartment near the University of Manitoba. Police allege that Opaso was armed at the time of the incident, but the family remains in the dark about the precise sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting. Nearly a year after the tragedy, they are still awaiting crucial information, including the autopsy report, that would shed light on their son’s death and allow them to pursue legal recourse.
The Opaso family’s pursuit of answers has been marked by delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and a perceived lack of transparency. The investigation, initially handled by the Independent Investigation Unit, was subsequently transferred to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to avoid a potential conflict of interest. While this transfer was intended to ensure impartiality, it has also contributed to the prolonged timeline of the investigation. The family’s lawyers express deep concern over the lack of accountability and the potential for systemic flaws within law enforcement to remain unaddressed. They emphasize the urgency of uncovering the truth not only for the Opaso family’s sake but also to identify areas for improvement within policing practices and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The delayed release of the autopsy report is a significant source of anguish for the Opaso family. This report is crucial for them to pursue potential legal action against the involved parties and seek financial remediation for expenses incurred due to Afolabi’s death, including funeral costs and travel expenses for family members from the United States and Nigeria. The family’s lawyers argue that the lengthy delay in providing this vital document is unreasonable and adds to their already immense emotional burden. They underscore the family’s fundamental right to know what happened to their son and to seek justice through the appropriate legal channels.
Communication with the investigating authorities has been infrequent and unsatisfying, further compounding the family’s frustration. While investigators from ASIRT have maintained contact with the Opasos, the information shared has been minimal and has not progressed the family’s understanding of the events surrounding Afolabi’s death. Yemisi Opaso, Afolabi’s sister, laments the lack of new information since March, despite repeated attempts to communicate with the lead investigator. This prolonged silence and lack of substantive updates have left the family feeling disregarded and further fuels their suspicion that crucial details are being withheld.
The Opaso family’s pursuit of justice and closure has extended beyond the confines of the investigation. Afolabi’s death sparked protests in Winnipeg, with demonstrators demanding police accountability and systemic reforms within law enforcement. These public displays of outrage underscore the broader societal implications of this tragedy and the growing demand for greater transparency and accountability within policing practices. The family’s legal team echoes these concerns, emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny of the systems in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
The ongoing investigation into Afolabi Opaso’s death remains shrouded in uncertainty and delays. The family’s year-long wait for answers highlights the complex challenges and potential shortcomings within the investigative process. Their persistent pursuit of truth and accountability underscores the importance of transparency, communication, and timely resolution in such sensitive cases. The Opaso family’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of police violence on families and communities and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies. As the anniversary of Afolabi’s death approaches, his family clings to the hope that the truth will finally be revealed, allowing them to find some measure of closure and begin the long and arduous process of healing.
