By Emmanuel Nduka
The Police in Toronto has arrested Amaka Sonnberger, a Canadian-Nigerian woman who recently threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin of Nigerian origin living in Canada.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Toronto Police Service.
As displayed on its website and titled: “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” the police said Sonnberger is scheduled to appear in court on September 2, 2024, after she was apprehended following an investigation into online content she reportedly posted on August 25.
Sonnberger will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice.
The case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit involved in the investigation.
“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 offence. 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,” the statement read.
According to the statement, TPS said that hate-motivated crimes may involve consultation with the Crown, and if convicted, hate is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.
It added that hate speech charges, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and are often delayed.
“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,” it added.
