A Canadian-Nigerian woman , Amaka Sonnberger who had threatened to poison Benin and Yoruba people whenever she crosses paths with them has been arrested by Toronto Police.
Amaka Sonnberger, 46, is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024, for allegedly making hate-motivated threats against the Nigerian community.
She was arrested on Sunday after an investigation into a viral video content she reportedly posted on August 25, inciting violence against specific members of the Nigerian community.
Sonnberger during a virtual meeting on Tiktok threatened to poison any natives from Benin and Yoruba community.
The House of Representatives in Nigeria in response, wrote to the Canadian government to prosecute her for inciting violence and genocide.
Following this development, the Lady in another viral video clip posted on X on Thursday, 29 August 2024, boastfully cited her Canadian citizenship as protection, emphasizing that Canada’s legal system does not function like Nigeria’s, where anyone could be arrested without concrete reasons.
Charged with uttering threats, Sonnberger will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice.The case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit involved in the investigation.
A statement cited on the Toronto Police Service website on Monday noted “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,”
The statement read “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 taken into custody on September 1, 2024, and has been charged with uttering threats. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024, 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 Statement explained further that hate-motivated crimes may involve consultation with the Crown, and if found guilty, hate is considered an provoking factor in sentencing.
According to the Police Service, hate speech charges, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and are often delayed.
“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,”.
