“Amaka Arrested and Released After Questioning,” Igbo Community in Canada Confirms, Urges Calm

The Igbo community in Canada has confirmed that Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian resident in Ontario, has been charged by the Toronto Police following allegations of issuing threats against the Yoruba and Benin communities. The community urged the public to disregard any false information circulating online about the case and called for calm while the investigation proceeds.

In an official statement released on Monday by Joseph Eze, a spokesperson for the Igbo community, members were advised to refrain from making inflammatory comments that could exacerbate the situation. The statement emphasized that Canadian authorities have taken control of the case, and the investigation is ongoing.

The statement also confirmed that Sunnberger was arrested on Sunday by Toronto Police but was released the same day after questioning. The case is currently before the court, and the Igbo community is closely monitoring developments.

“The Igbo Community in Ontario has been following the situation closely. We are aware of the arrest of Amaka Sunnberger and the charges laid against her by the Toronto Police Service,” the statement read. “We have been advised to avoid making any public comments while the investigation is in progress.”

Eze added that the Igbo union is in contact with Sunnberger and has heard her side of the story. The community is aware that misinformation is being spread through various media channels and will provide reliable updates as the situation unfolds. He reiterated the community’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with all groups within the Nigerian community in Ontario.

“We are in contact with all relevant parties involved in this case and have advised our members to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions,” the statement continued. “We will continue to monitor the situation and keep everyone informed of any significant developments.”

The controversy began after a video went viral showing Sunnberger allegedly threatening to poison Yoruba and Benin people. In the video, she claimed she would begin poisoning their food and water at her workplace. This led to widespread outrage and a petition from Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, to the Mayor of Brampton, Canada.

The Toronto Police have classified the investigation as a potential hate-motivated offense. They indicated that charges such as the willful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide, which fall under hate speech laws, may be considered, though these charges require the consent of the Attorney General and may be laid at a later time.