Canadian Woman Arrested for Online Threats Against Yoruba, Benin People

The Toronto Police Service has arrested Amaka Sonnberger, a Canadian-Nigerian woman, for threatening to poison Yoruba and Benin citizens living in Canada.

Sonnberger was apprehended on Sunday following an investigation into online content she reportedly posted on August 25, and is scheduled to appear in court on September 2, 2024.

The case is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, with the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit involved in the investigation.

Sonnberger has been charged with uttering threats and will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice.

The Toronto Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-3500 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

The investigation may involve consultation with the Crown, and if convicted, hate will be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.

Hate speech charges, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and are often delayed.

The Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit is leading the investigation, with possible consultation with the Crown if a criminal offence is alleged to have been motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate.