Hate speech: Amaka Sonnberger arrested in Canada

Days after official reports by the Nigerian Government and reactions from different interest groups and individuals, Toronto Police service has arrested the Canadian-Nigerian woman Amaka Sonnberger who recently threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin citizens living in Canada.

In a release on its website on Sunday Toronto Police Service, titled, “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” revealed that Amaka Sonnberger was apprehended on Sunday following an investigation into online content she reportedly posted on August 25.

Sonnberger is expected to face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice this Monday in the matter being treated as a hate-motivated offence.

It 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 was taken into custody on September 1, 2024, and has been charged with uttering threats. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West.

“The investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-3500 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.”

According to the statement, TPS said that hate-motivated crimes may involve consultation with the Crown, and if convicted, hate is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.

It added that hate speech charges, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and are often delayed.In a release on its website on Sunday Toronto Police Service, titled, “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” revealed that Amaka Sonnberger was apprehended on Sunday following an investigation into online content she reportedly posted on August 25.

Sonnberger was expected to face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice this Monday in the matter being treated as a hate-motivated offence.

It 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 was taken into custody on September 1, 2024, and has been charged with uttering threats. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West.

“The investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-3500 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.”

According to the statement, TPS said that hate-motivated crimes may involve consultation with the Crown, and if convicted, hate is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.

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

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