A 46-year-old Canada-based Nigerian, Amaka Sonnberger who recently threatened and encouraged others to poison Yoruba and Bini people, has been arrested by the Toronto police.
Somnberger who was arrested on Sunday is scheduled to appear before an Ontario court. The Toronto Police says it is treating the case as that of a hate-motivated violence.
In a statement on its website, the Toronto Police Service, said: “Toronto Police have arrested a woman in connection with a suspected hate-motivated threat investigation. The arrest follows a report received on August 28, 2024, regarding a threatening incident. Authorities allege that on or around August 25, 2024, Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto, posted online content threatening the lives of specific members of the Nigerian community.
“Sonnberger was subsequently taken into custody and has been charged with uttering threats. She is scheduled to appear in court on few days after at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West.
“The investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-3500 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.”
The TPS also said: “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”.
Sonnberger’s threat was first heard last Tuesday in a video shared on X. Speaking in Pidgin English, she said: “Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one”.
Somnberger’s comment in that video was condemned by the Federal Government, the House of Representatives and many Nigerians.
