The House of Representatives of Nigeria has formally requested the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian citizen residing in Canada, for making threatening and inflammatory comments against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.
The controversy began when a video clip of some Yoruba and Benin people called to unalive Igbo Children, responding a woman in the virtual meeting on TikTok, who identified herself as a resident of Ontario, Canada, threatened to bring poisonous substances to her workplace to harm any Yoruba or Benin individuals she encountered. She claimed her remarks were a response to perceived “hate” against the Igbo ethnic group.
Dismissing the possibility of arrest, the woman cited her Canadian citizenship as protection and criticized the Nigerian legal system, stating, “Somebody just sends me a message, say them arrest me, say them wan deport me, with passport? I be Canada Pikin. See am now, I dey house, why I go dey lie?”
In response, the House of Representatives, through a letter signed by Biodun Omoleye, Chairman of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora Matters, expressed grave concern over Sunnberger’s statements. The lawmakers described her comments as a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians.
The letter stated: “Ms. Sunnberger’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 not only deeply troubling but also represent a clear violation of multiple international, Canadian, and Ontario laws. Such rhetoric is dangerous and has the potential to incite real-world violence, both in Nigeria and within the Nigerian diaspora.”
The lawmakers requested a comprehensive investigation into Sunnberger’s actions, prosecution under relevant Canadian laws, a public condemnation of her statements by the Canadian government, and collaboration with Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence.
The letter outlined the following requests:
- Investigation: An immediate and thorough investigation by Canadian law enforcement into Ms. Sunnberger’s actions.
- Prosecution: Legal action against Ms. Sunnberger under Canada’s Criminal Code for incitement to genocide and hate speech.
- Public Denouncement: A call for the Canadian government to publicly condemn Ms. Sunnberger’s actions and reaffirm its commitment to combatting hate speech, violence, and genocide.
- Collaboration with Nigerian Authorities: A request for Canadian authorities to work closely with Nigerian counterparts to prevent any potential escalation of violence and ensure justice is served.
The House stressed the urgency of addressing this issue to maintain peace and safety for Nigerians at home and abroad.
