The Toronto Police Service has arrested Amaka Sonnberger, the 46-year-old Nigerian woman who in a viral audio tape threatened to poison and kill Yoruba and Edo indigenes residing in Canada.
In a statement released today September 2, the Toronto police said it arrested Amaka on September 1 after receiving reports that she posted online content on or about August 25, 2024, threatening d#ath to specific members of the Nigerian community.
The police statement added that she has been charged with Uttering Threats. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00am in courtroom 107.
‘’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.”
Amaka and her fellow compatriots were having a discussion on a TikTok space when she made the threat. According to her, other tribes have marginalized Igbos enough and it is time for them to be eradicated. The woman who resides in Ontario threatened to start poisoning the meals of her Yoruba colleagues at work when she resumed work the next day. Members of the House of Representatives and some other Nigerian groups called for her arrest.
Amaka in another audio tape dismissed the calls for her arrest and deportation, According to her, she is a Canadian citizen and that nothing can be done to her.
