Canada’s Toronto Police have arrested a Canadian-Nigerian woman following a hate-motivated threat investigation targeting members of Nigeria’s Yoruba and Benin communities.
The arrest comes after troubling statements surfaced online, prompting a response from both Nigerian and Canadian authorities.
A video clip showing Sonnberger making anti-Yoruba remarks during a virtual meeting on TikTok was widely circulated on social media.
In the video, she threatened to use poisonous substances against members of the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups.
A statement issued by Constable Laura Brabant on behalf of the police said the Toronto Police Service received reports of threatening online content.
“The accusations are centred around Amaka Patience Sonnberger, a 46-year-old resident of Toronto.
“According to the police, Sonnberger is alleged to have posted videos threatening violence against Yoruba and Benin individuals. These threats reportedly involved poisoning and incitement to violence.”
Sonnberger was arrested on Sunday.
She faces charges of “Uttering Threats” and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on September 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 107.
The police said the case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offense, which could result in more severe penalties if convicted.
“When hate-motivated threats are reported, our priority is to ensure the safety of the community and to address the hate crime in accordance with the law,” Brabant said.
The Nigerian House of Representatives has officially urged the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Sonnberger.
The letter described Sonnberger’s statements as a direct threat to millions of Nigerians and called for an immediate investigation, prosecution, and public condemnation.
“Ms. Sonnberger’s recorded statements constitute a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians. Her incitement to violence and call for genocide through poisoning are deeply troubling and violate multiple laws,” the letter stated.
The video has also drawn criticism from prominent Nigerian figures. Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), condemned the threats.
In a statement, he emphasised the need for national unity and praised the House of Representatives for its swift action.
“The hateful video is an attempt to incite violence and division. I support the call for justice and urge Canadian authorities to act decisively,” Abubakar said.
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and ex-Governor of Anambra State, also condemned Sonnberger’s actions.
Obi, who hails from the same region as Sonnberger, criticised the incitement as harmful and divisive.
“I utterly condemn the hateful statement and actions attributed to this individual. Tribal and religious bigotry have no place in our society,” Obi stated. He urged Nigerians to focus on unity and progress rather than divisive rhetoric.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was also in touch with Canadian authorities to ensure a thorough response to the incident.
