Amaka Sunnberger, the woman who called for the poisoning of Yoruba and Benin people, has been arrested and will be arraigned in Canada on Monday (today).
ALSO READ: Reps Ask Canada To Prosecute Nigerian Woman For Ordering Poisoning Of Yoruba, Benin People
The 46-year-old was arrested by Toronto Police after her recording calling for the mass poisoning of Yorubas and Benin people surfaced on social media.
She was arrested on Sunday following an investigation into the August 25 recording where 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”.
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.
Toronto Police Service said in a statement, “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.”
ALSO READ: Canada Asks Nigerian Woman, Family To Leave Country Over Fake Document
It added that 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.
ALSO READ: Canada To Reduce Foreign Worker Intake From Sept 26
“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,” it concluded.
