This was disclosed by the Toronto Police Service in an early Monday morning announcement headed “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested” that was posted on its website on September 1.
It said, “A woman has been taken into custody by Toronto Police as part of an investigation into possible threats motivated by hate.” The arrest comes in response to a report of a threatening event that was received on August 28, 2024. Amaka Sonnberger, 46, of Toronto, is accused by the authorities of posting internet content on or around August 25, 2024, threatening the lives of particular Nigerian community members.
Sonnberger was accused of making threats and placed under arrest on September 1, 2024. On Monday, September 2, 2024, she is expected to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice, which is situated at 2201 Finch Avenue West.
The investigation is being handled as though it were a possible hate crime. If you have any information, the police ask that you call them at 416-808-3500. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.
Crimes motivated by hatred
TPS stated in the statement that crimes motivated by hatred may need consultation with the Crown and that, in the event of a conviction, hate is seen as an aggravating factor for sentence.
It further stated that accusations of hate speech, including inciting hatred or supporting genocide, frequently take a long time to process and need the approval of the Attorney General.
“When police receive reports of suspected hate-motivated offenses, the Hate Crime Unit (HCU) may handle the investigation in certain situations, or a Divisional Investigator may lead the inquiry on its own.
“The officer-in-charge may confer with the Crown if it is alleged that a criminal offence (such as assault or mischief) was committed and it is thought to have been motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate.” When determining a punishment for someone who has been charged with and found guilty of an offense, the judge will consider hate as an aggravating circumstance.
“The Attorney General’s approval is necessary to file charges against hate propaganda (hate speech) offenses such as the deliberate propagation of hatred and the endorsement of genocide. It said, “These charges are frequently brought subsequently.
HOR and NDDC petition
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the House of Representatives had petitioned the Canadian government to look into and prosecute the woman.
Nigerian Senator Sonnberger has been accused of inciting violence and genocide against Yoruba and Benin people in a video clip. The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for the Canadian government to prosecute her. The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed Sonnberger’s identity for making threatening comments against fellow Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent. Nigerians have demanded her arrest and condemned the incident.
They have emphasized the need for tolerance and solidarity in the face of such divisive actions, calling for prompt justice and urging authorities to guarantee that such crimes are addressed with the full force of the law.
