Amaka Sonnberger, a 46-year-old Canadian-Nigerian woman, has been arrested by Toronto Police for allegedly making hate-motivated threats against members of the Nigerian community, specifically targeting Yoruba and Benin people. The arrest follows an investigation initiated after reports surfaced of threatening online content posted by Sonnberger around August 25, 2024.
Sonnberger has been charged with uttering threats and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West. The case is being handled as a suspected hate-motivated offense, with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit actively involved in the investigation.
In an official statement titled “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” the Toronto Police Service provided details about the case and confirmed that Sonnberger was taken into custody on September 1, 2024. The statement revealed that the threatening content targeted specific members of the Nigerian community, raising serious concerns within the community and prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The Toronto Police Service emphasized the severity of hate-motivated crimes, noting that these offenses often involve consultation with the Crown, and if a person is convicted, hate is considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. The statement also explained that charges related to hate speech, such as the willful promotion of hatred or advocating genocide, require the consent of the Attorney General and may be delayed as a result.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact the Toronto Police at 416-808-3500. Individuals can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.
Sonnberger’s arrest has sparked significant concern within the Nigerian community in Toronto and beyond, as the case underscores the ongoing issue of hate-motivated crimes and the impact of such threats on targeted groups. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how hate-motivated offenses are handled in the future, particularly within the diverse and multicultural fabric of Canadian society.