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Canadian-Based Nigerian Amaka Sonnberger, Threatening Yoruba Risks Two-Year Jail
JomogNews Nigeria reports that Canada-based Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger who was arrested on Monday risks a potential two-year prison sentence in the country or deportation if found guilty of calling for violence against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.
The suspect is set to appear in court on September 2, 2024, following her arrest by Toronto Police on September 1, 2024, for allegedly making hate-motivated threats against the Nigerian community.
Section 319 (1a) of the Canadian Criminal Code, as retrieved by our correspondent from the Canada Justice Laws website, states that anyone convicted of public incitement could face up to two years in prison.
The section reads, “Everyone who, by communicating statements in any public place, incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace is guilty of (a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.”
PUNCH Metro’s findings further reveal that the two-year jail term will only apply to Sonnberger if she is a Canadian citizen and is found guilty.
However, if Sonnberger is convicted as a migrant, she could face deportation if she holds either temporary or permanent resident status in Canada. This information is based on the “Migrants Know Your Rights Guide —Facing Immigration Arrest, Detention, Deportation,” published in 2021 by the International Human Rights Programme at the University of Ontario, Butterfly (an Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network), and the Immigration Legal Committee (No One Is Illegal Toronto).
As stated in the guide, any migrant in Canada who receives a prison sentence of more than six months may face deportation.
The guide partly reads, “If you are convicted of a crime, you could lose your immigration status. Whether you lose your status depends on ‘how serious’ the crime is, the specific crime committed, and the type of status you possess (e.g., temporary status, permanent resident status).
“For instance, someone with permanent resident status could lose that status if they receive a prison sentence of over six months for a given crime, or if the crime carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 (or more) years.
“On the other hand, someone without permanent resident status could lose their immigration status if they are convicted of an ‘indictable’/‘hybrid’ offence or two different offences that arose from separate events, even if they are minor.”
During a virtual meeting on TikTok last Tuesday, Sonnberger was heard calling for the poisoning of individuals of Yoruba and Benin descent.
Speaking mainly in Pidgin English, threatening to poison the Yoruba and Benin people, Sonnberger ranted, “Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water; make una dey kpai one by one.”
Her hateful remarks ignited widespread outrage, prompting Nigerians from all walks of life to call for her investigation and arrest by the Canadian authorities.
In a swift response, the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit announced the suspect’s arrest, stating that the case would be handled as a hate-motivated offence.
A statement titled, “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested”, by the Toronto Police dated September 1, 2024, shared on its website partly 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.”
The statement indicated that the crimes could involve consultation with the Crown. If convicted, hatred is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing. Additionally, charges related to hate speech, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and are often subject to delays.
“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to the police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional Investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit, 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 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 that require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time,” it concluded.
The suspect had recently boasted that she could not be arrested because she was a Canadian.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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