The Toronto Police Service has announced an arrest in connection with a suspected hate-motivated threatening investigation, seek public’s help to solve the case.
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, officers responded to a report of a threatening incident. It is alleged that the accused, Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto, posted online content on or around August 25, 2024, threatening death against specific members of the Nigerian community.
On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Sonnberger was arrested and charged with uttering threats. She is scheduled to appear 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 Toronto Police Service is treating this as a suspected hate-motivated offence. The investigation may involve divisional investigators with support from the Hate Crime Unit (HCU) or be led exclusively by the HCU, depending on the specifics of the case.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact police at 416-808-3500, or provide tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.
When hate-motivated offences are reported, the investigation is conducted thoroughly, with the officer-in-charge possibly consulting the Crown if a criminal offence is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate. If the accused is convicted, hate may be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing.
Charges related to hate propaganda, such as the willful promotion of hatred or advocating genocide, require the consent of the Attorney General and may be pursued at a later stage.
Background of the Incident
The controversy began with an audio clip where Kingsley Ugiagbe, a Nigerian based in Austria, allegedly made inflammatory remarks against Igbo people, including threats to unalive Igbo children. However, this part of the audio was not highlighted in subsequent reports by Nigerian authorities. Instead, the focus shifted to Amaka Sonnberger’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.
Public and Community Reactions
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the hateful statements and actions, urging Nigerians to unite and focus on their common challenges instead of allowing tribalism and hate to create divisions. He has consistently opposed the polarization of the country along tribal, religious, or political lines.
Atiku Abubakar, the former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, also condemned the hate speech, referencing a viral video. He highlighted that the identities of those involved have been disclosed and that calls have been made for Canadian law enforcement to prosecute those responsible.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) demanded the immediate arrest and extradition of Amaka Sonnberger for her hate speech, stating that her actions incite mass murder based on ethnic hatred.
Similarly, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the viral video and called for the authorities to identify and prosecute the individuals involved.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide joined the condemnation of Sonnberger’s threats, calling for her prosecution.
In contrast, the President of the Edo community in Vienna distanced the union from Kingsley Ugiagbe’s inflammatory remarks and suspended him over his threats.
Nigerians have also called on the House of Representatives to address domestic hate speech, urging action against the Lagospedia group, which issued a 30-day ultimatum for the Igbo community to leave Lagos and the entire South-West region with their businesses.
Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu criticized Abike Dabiri-Erewa, accusing her of selective justice and highlighting the lack of accountability for those inciting violence against the Igbo people. Yesufu also accused President Bola Tinubu of promoting anti-Igbo sentiment for political purposes. Similarly, human rights activist Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo urged Abike Dabiri-Erewa to address threats against the Igbo community.
Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor condemned the incitement, stressing that no level of grievance can justify targeting innocent Igbo children.
The ongoing investigation underscores the serious concerns over hate speech and incitement to violence, particularly when threats are made against specific ethnic groups. The response of Canadian authorities will be closely monitored as they navigate the complexities of this case.
