The Toronto Police Service in Canada has arrested a Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, who threatened to poison and kill Yoruba and Edo communities in Canada.
A statement by Constable Laura Brabant said Sonnberger was arrested on Sunday.
Sunnberger, a Canadian resident, had on August 25, 2024 posted an online content threatening death to specific members of the Nigerian community.
This prompted the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to petition Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, Canada, concerning the matter involving Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian national residing in Canada.
Responding to the petition, the Toronto police said Sunnberger has been charged with uttering threats and she is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00am in courtroom 107 is making the public aware of an arrest made in a suspected hate-motivated threatening investigation.
The statement reads, “On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Toronto Police arrested Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto. This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.
“If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.”
