Ottawa fugitives are among Canada’s top 15 most wanted

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Two men connected with violent crimes in Ottawa are among Canada’s top 25 most wanted criminals — one making the top 10.

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Gibriil Bakal and Mohamed Shire, both wanted for murder by local police, are on the national Bolo Program list, updated on Dec. 4 to mobilise public assistance in tracking high-priority suspects.

A $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Shire is available through next summer.

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Gibriil Bakal and the shooting in Little Italy

Bakal, a 29-year-old from Edmonton, is number eight on Canada’s most-wanted list. He is wanted for first-degree murder in the Jan. 29 shooting death of Jama Roble, 33, in Little Italy. Roble succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Feb. 1.

Bakal is described as six feet one inch tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds. Earlier this year, the search for Bakal resulted in a violent mistaken arrest, which Ottawa Police later addressed publicly.

Police continue to actively search for Bakal. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Ottawa Police Homicide Unit or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers

The case against Mohamed Shire

Shire, 31, also known as Waldo, is wanted in connection with the May 2021 killings of Abdulaziz Abdullah, 34, and Mohamad Abdullah, 27, in a shooting at the Alta Vista Shopping Centre. A third man was injured in the incident but survived.

Ottawa Police previously arrested Abdullahi Osman in Peel Region under a Canada-wide warrant for first-degree murder. Shire and another suspect, Ahmed Siyad (known as Baby Dice), remain at large. Both are wanted on Canada-wide warrants for first-degree murder and attempted murder.

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The Bolo Program, in cooperation with Ottawa Police and Crime Stoppers, is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Shire’s arrest. The reward is available until June 3, 2025, and tipsters will have one year from Shire’s arrest to claim it.

Authorities warn against attempting to apprehend Shire personally, citing the potential risk to public safety. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers or the Bolo Program website.

How the Bolo Program works

The Bolo Program, short for “Be On the Lookout,” uses social media and targeted campaigns to amplify police wanted notices.

It was established in 2018 as an independent Canadian initiative created by the Stéphan Crétier Foundation to enhance public awareness and participation in locating suspects. Law enforcement agencies maintain control over investigations, while the program adds visibility to cases through financial rewards and public outreach.

Canada’s most wanted list identifies serious unresolved cases nationwide.

As of December 2024, the top two spots are occupied by Quebec’s Dave “Pic” Turmel, wanted for gun violence and drug trafficking as leader of the Blood Family Mafia, and All Boivin, wanted for conspiracy and drug trafficking.

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