Canadian police arrest, charge Babatunde Afuwape over murder of university student

Canadian police have arrested and charged Babatunde Afuwape in connection with the murder of Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old university student killed on December 23, 2025.

The Toronto Police Service confirmed that Afuwape, 28, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder. The announcement was made by Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe of the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit.

According to police, the charge relates to the killing of Avasthi, whose death prompted heightened concern among students and residents in the area.

“Babatunde Afuwape, 28, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with First Degree Murder,” police said in a statement released alongside the suspect’s mugshot.

Authorities said Afuwape was scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Finch Avenue West on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Detective Sergeant McCabe said the arrest was intended to reassure the public following the incident. “We recognise that this incident caused a great deal of fear and concern for students, staff, and members of the surrounding community, and we want to reassure them that the person responsible is in our custody,” he said.

Police are also appealing for information from the public. Investigators believe others may have seen or interacted with the suspect on campus or nearby trails on the day of the killing.

“We believe there may have been more people on the trail or on campus on December 23 who may have seen or interacted with the accused,” McCabe said, urging anyone with relevant information to contact the police.