Toronto Police have arrested a Canadian-Nigerian woman who recently made online threats to poison Yoruba and Benin citizens living in Canada.
In a statement released on Sunday titled “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” the Toronto Police Service confirmed the arrest of Amaka Sonnberger.
Sonnberger, who was taken into custody on September 1, 2024, is scheduled to appear before a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice on September 2, 2024.
The arrest followed an investigation into online content she allegedly posted on August 25, in which she threatened the lives of specific members of the Nigerian community.
The case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offense, with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit involved in the investigation.
The statement read, “Toronto Police have arrested a woman in connection with a suspected hate-motivated threat investigation. The arrest follows a report received on August 28, 2024, regarding a threatening incident. Authorities allege that on or around August 25, 2024, Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto, posted online content threatening the lives of specific members of the Nigerian community.”
Sonnberger has been charged with uttering threats and will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West.
Toronto Police have emphasized that hate-motivated crimes may involve consultation with the Crown, and if convicted, hate will be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.
The statement further explained that charges related to hate speech, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and are often delayed.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-3500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.
