Nigerian Who Threatened to Poison Yoruba, Edo People Arrested by Canadian Police

The Toronto Police Service has apprehended a Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, following threats she made to poison and kill members of the Yoruba and Edo communities in Canada. The arrest took place on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

The police confirmed the arrest in a statement released by Constable Laura Brabant, revealing that the incident is being investigated as a potential hate-motivated crime. Sonnberger, 46, allegedly made the threats online on August 25, 2024, targeting specific individuals within the Nigerian community in Canada.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) had previously raised the alarm, petitioning Honourable Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, regarding the serious nature of Sonnberger’s threats.

Toronto Police have charged Sonnberger with uttering threats, a criminal offense under Canadian law. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., where she will face the charges in courtroom 107 at 2201 Finch Avenue West.

The police have called for anyone with further information on the case to come forward, emphasizing the seriousness with which hate-motivated crimes are handled. “When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported, the investigation can be supported by the Hate Crime Unit (HCU) or led exclusively by the HCU,” the statement added.

In Canada, hate propaganda offences, such as the willful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent to prosecute. These charges, if applicable, may be pursued at a later stage of the investigation.