By Daniel Igboekwe
The Toronto Police have arrested Amaka Sonnberger, a Canadian-Nigerian woman, for allegedly calling for the mass killing of Nigerians in Canada.
The arrest has sparked widespread outrage within the Nigerian community in Canada and beyond, as the case is being treated as a potential hate crime.
In an official statement titled “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” the Toronto Police Service provided details of the arrest and the ongoing investigation.
According to the statement, Sonnberger, 46, reportedly made the threats during a virtual meeting on TikTok, where she allegedly threatened to poison members of the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups.
The Toronto Police report that they received information about the threats on August 28, 2024.
They allege that Sonnberger, a resident of Toronto, posted online content around August 25, 2024, specifically threatening the lives of certain members of the Nigerian community in Canada.
Following an investigation by the Hate Crime Unit of the Toronto Police, Sonnberger was taken into custody on September 1, 2024.
She has been charged with “uttering threats,” a criminal offense under Canadian law.
Sonnberger is scheduled to appear before a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West, Toronto, on September 2, 2024.
This case is being handled as a suspected hate-motivated offense, with the Hate Crime Unit taking a central role in the investigation.
Hate crimes are criminal acts committed against individuals or groups due to their race, religion, ethnicity, or other identifiable characteristics.
The charges against Sonnberger are severe, and if found guilty, she could face significant legal consequences, including potential jail time and fines.
The Nigerian community in Canada has expressed shock and concern over the incident.
Many community leaders and organizations have called for a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action to deter such hate-fueled rhetoric and protect minority communities in Canada.
The Nigerian-Canadian Association and several other advocacy groups are urging law enforcement to ensure that justice is served while providing support to those affected by the threatening remarks.
The Toronto Police Service is urging anyone with further information about the case to come forward.
They have provided contact numbers for the police unit handling the case and for Crime Stoppers, an anonymous tip line.
They emphasize that information from the public can be crucial in strengthening the investigation.
The statement from Toronto Police reads: “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 offense. 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.”