Toronto police in Canada, have taken into custody Amaka Sonnberger, a 46-year-old Nigerian woman, following the release of a viral audio recording in which she allegedly threatened to poison and kill Yoruba and Edo individuals living in Canada.
According to a statement issued on September 2, the Toronto Police Service apprehended Amaka on September 1 after receiving reports that she had posted online content around August 25, 2024, in which she threatened specific members of the Nigerian community with death.
Amaka has been formally charged with Uttering Threats and is set to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 107.
The police statement read, “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.
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“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.”
The audio recording in question reportedly captured Amaka making these threats during a discussion on TikTok.
She expressed frustration over the perceived marginalization of Igbos by other tribes and suggested that it was time to eliminate them.
Amaka, who lives in Ontario, allegedly threatened to start poisoning the food of her Yoruba colleagues at work the following day.
In response to the recording, members of the Nigerian House of Representatives and various Nigerian groups called for her immediate arrest.
In a subsequent audio message, Amaka dismissed the calls for her arrest and deportation, asserting that she is a Canadian citizen and confident that no action could be taken against her.
