A Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, has been arrested by the Toronto Police Service for threatening to poison and kill members of the Yoruba and Edo communities in Canada.
Constable Laura Brabant stated that Sonnberger was taken into custody on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
Recall that Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) had previously submitted a petition to Honourable Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, regarding Amaka Patience Sonnberger, a Nigerian national living in Canada.
On August 25, 2024, Sonnberger posted threatening content online directed at specific individuals within the Nigerian community.
In response to the petition, Toronto police announced that Sonnberger has been charged with uttering threats. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM in courtroom 107. This arrest is part of a suspected hate-motivated investigation.
The police 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 encouraged to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.222tips.com.
“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported, a Divisional investigator may lead the investigation with support from the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, the HCU will investigate exclusively.
“If a criminal offence (such as assault or mischief) is alleged and believed to be motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, the officer in charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted, the judge will consider hate as an aggravating factor during sentencing.
“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are considered hate propaganda (hate speech) offences, which require the Attorney General’s consent for charges to be laid. Such charges are often pursued later.”
