Canadian police authorities have initiated an investigation into a viral audio clip featuring Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian woman residing in Canada, who threatened to poison individuals of Yoruba and Edo descent.
The audio, which circulated on TikTok, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action from various Nigerian groups and authorities.
Background of the Incident
The controversy began with an audio clip where a different individual, Kingsley Ugiagbe, who based in Austria allegedly made inflammatory remarks against Igbo individuals, including threats to unalive Igbo children. However, this part of the audio was not highlighted in the subsequent reports by Nigerian authorities. Instead, the focus shifted to Sunnberger’s reaction, where she urged the poisoning of Yoruba and Benin individuals in Canada.
Reaction from Nigerian Authorities
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), brought Sunnberger’s threats to the attention of Canadian authorities, omitting the preceding remarks against the Igbo community. The Nigerian House of Representatives and NIDCOM formally petitioned the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Sunnberger for her incendiary comments.
Investigation and Public Response
A representative of the Toronto Police Service, Sergeant Bassey Osagie, confirmed to PUNCH Newspaper that the matter is being taken seriously and is currently under investigation. The Toronto Police Service has commenced an investigation into Sunnberger’s actions, which are seen as a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians.
Public and Community Reactions
Former Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned the hateful statement and actions urged Nigerians to unite and focus on addressing their shared challenges rather than allowing tribalism and hate to divide them. He has consistently stood against the polarization of the country along tribal, religious, or political lines.
Also the former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, strongly condemned a viral video clip, He emphasized that the identities of those involved have been disclosed, and calls have been made to Canadian law enforcement agencies to prosecute the offenders.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded Sunnberger’s immediate arrest and extradition for her hate speech, emphasizing that her actions constitute incitement to mass murder based on ethnic hatred.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned a viral video urged the authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the video.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide has also taken action, condemning Sunnberger’s threats and calling for her prosecution.
In contrast, the President of the Edo community in Vienna has distanced the Union from Kingsley Ugiagbe’s inflammatory remarks and suspended him over his threats.
Nigerians have called on members of the House of Representatives to address domestic hate speech and arrest Lagospedia group who threatened Igbo Community #IgboMustGo giving them 30-day ultimatum to leave Lagos and the entire South-West region with their businesses, saying charity begins at home.
Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu also criticized Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for what she perceives as selective justice is an injustice to another. Yesufu highlighted the lack of accountability for those who have incited violence against the Igbo people, pointing out an apparent double standard and accused President Bola Tinubu of fueling anti-Igbo sentiment for political purposes.
Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, a human rights activist has also called out Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged her to address instances of threats against Igbo.
Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, condemned this incitement, emphasizing that no level of grievance can ever justify targeting innocent Igbo children.
The ongoing investigation highlights the serious concerns over hate speech and incitement to violence, particularly when such threats are made against specific ethnic groups. The Canadian authorities’ response will be closely watched as they navigate the complexities of this case.
