A Nigerian woman living in Canada, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, has been arrested by Toronto Police over threats to poison and kill individuals from the Yoruba and Benin race.
The arrest was announced in a statement by the Toronto Police Servce shared on their website on Sunday, September 1.
The statement reads: “The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a suspected hate-motivated threatening investigation.
“On Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Toronto Police received a call for a threatening incident.
“It is alleged that: the accused posted online content on or about August 25, 2024 threatening death to specific members of the Nigerian community.
“On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Toronto Police arrested Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto.
“She has been charged with: Uttering Threats.
“She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00am in courtroom 107.
“This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 222tips.com.
“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.”
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