Toronto Police have arrested Amaka Sonnberger, a Nigerian woman, for threatening to poison and kill Yoruba and Edo communities in Canada.
Sonnberger, who made the threats online on August 25, 2024, has been charged with uttering threats.
The case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, and she is set to appear in court on September 2, 2024.
The Toronto Police are investigating the matter with possible hate crime charges being considered. The public has been urged to provide further information regarding the case.
“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.”
Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.