The Toronto Police have arrested a Canadian-Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, for calling for the mass killing of Nigerians in Canada.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Toronto Police have arrested a Canadian-Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, for calling for the mass killing of Nigerians in Canada.
In a statement titled: “Suspected hate-motivated threatening investigation, woman arrested,” the Toronto Police Service confirmed the arrest and provided details of the ongoing case.
In a virtual meeting on TikTok, Sunnberger threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin people.
She is being charged with uttering threats and will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice.
The case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offense, with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit actively involved in the investigation.
READ ALSO:
The statement 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.”
Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi was among Nigerians who condemned the action of the lady.
Speaking via his official X page, the former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians to unite and not allow tribalism and hate to tear the country apart.
He tweeted, “I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada against other Nigerians of diverse origins. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society.
“As Nigerians, we should unite and focus on addressing our shared challenges, rather than allowing tribalism and hate to tear us apart.
“I have consistently stood against the polarisation of our country along tribal, religious or political lines.
“What does a nation achieve through tribal or religious bigotry? Does it contribute positively to development, by fixing our numerous health, education challenges, and pulling people out of poverty? Does it reduce the price of bread, rice, garri or yam in the market?”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the action by Sonnberger.