Lee University student who admitted to mass murder threat appeared in court
Olayinka Opaso, 18, of Nigeria is facing once count of commission of an act of terrorism.
Sessions Court Judge Sheridan Randolf has allowed the case against Olayinka Opaso to be rescheduled so the defendant and his attorney can get with the prosecutor to see if a deal can be reached to keep Opaso out of prison.
"I’m hoping that we we’ll be able to get together with all the powers that be and find a path to help salvage this young mans life and his future," said Opaso’s Defense Attorney Scott Kanavos.
Right now, Opaso’s future looks uncertain. According to an arrest affidavit, Opaso, admitted to Cleveland police that he posted a terroristic threat on social media. The post said "there would be a shooting at Lee University next week and 53 students would die and 59 would be injured." But Opaso’s attorney says his client was not serious when he posted that message.
"He’s a sweet naive boy who just like so many young men, did a stupid thing, not understanding fully what repercussions of it," Kanavos said.
So far, repercussions from that social media post include the possibility of prison time, but also the possibility of being deported back to Nigeria for violating a student visa.
"He has been suspended from Lee University. Part of the agreement is that he will not be on the Lee campus. If he’s not allowed to return to school, he’ll have to return to his own country," Kanavos said.
In the meantime, News 12 has learned that Opaso has the support of many Lee University students who not only showed up at his arraignment, they also put money together to bond him out of jail.News 12 can also confirm that at least one Lee University teacher was at his arraignment to offer support.
Opaso’s next court date is scheduled for November 17.
Leave a Reply