Toronto Police Arrest Nigerian Woman for Threatening to Poison and Kill Yorubas and Edos in Canada
Toronto Police have apprehended 46-year-old Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, following a viral audio recording in which she threatened to poison and kill Yoruba and Edo individuals residing in Canada.
In a statement released on September 2, 2024, Toronto Police confirmed the arrest, stating that Amaka was detained on September 1 after reports emerged about her online threats made around August 25, 2024. These threats targeted specific members of the Nigerian community in Canada, sparking outrage and concern.
Amaka has been charged with Uttering Threats and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice at 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM in courtroom 107.
The police also noted that this case is being investigated as a suspected hate-motivated offense.
The Toronto Police Service urges anyone with additional information to come forward by contacting the police at 416-808-3500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.
According to the police, hate-motivated offenses are handled with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), and in cases where criminal offenses such as assault or mischief are believed to be motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, the Crown may be consulted. If convicted, hate will be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.
Amaka’s threats, which were made during a TikTok discussion, were driven by her belief that other tribes have marginalized Igbos long enough and that it was time for them to be “eradicated.” Residing in Ontario, she specifically threatened to start poisoning the meals of her Yoruba colleagues at work.
The threats drew widespread condemnation, with members of the Nigerian House of Representatives and various Nigerian groups demanding her arrest.
Despite the backlash, Amaka, in a subsequent audio recording, dismissed the calls for her arrest and deportation, boasting that as a Canadian citizen, she was untouchable.