September 02, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the Toronto Police Service have arrested a Canadian-based Nigerian woman, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, over allegedly hate-motivated threats against members of the Nigerian community.
THEWILL had reported that the woman, reportedly based in Ontario, Canada, had in a viral TikTok live meeting video, vowed to poison the foods and waters of Yoruba and Benin people at her place of work. She also asked people of the Southeast region of Nigeria to develop a hard heart against Yorubas and Benins by poisoning their foods and waters anywhere they see them.
Confirming her arrest in a statement titled “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested”, the Toronto Police Service said Sonnberger has been charged with uttering threats and will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice.
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.
“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.”
