Canadian Police Arrest Nigerian Immigrant Amaka Sonnberger for Hate-Motivated Threats against fellow Nigerians

The arrest, made on Sunday, September 1, 2024, comes after a report was received on August 28, 2024, regarding a threat.

According to the police statement, Ms. Sonnberger is accused of posting online content around August 25, 2024, in which she threatened to kill specific individuals. The nature of these threats has led investigators to treat the case as an alleged hate crime. Her arrest follows a post on the TikTok network where she was heard making threats against the Yoruba and Benin people.

Ms. Sonnberger is expected to appear in court in Ontario on Monday, September 2, 2024. Under section 319 (1a) of the Canadian Criminal Code, anyone found guilty of inciting hatred against an identifiable group is liable to a prison sentence of up to two years2. If convicted, Ms. Sonnberger could face up to two years in prison or deportation, depending on her immigration status.

In response to this incident, the Igbo community has advised its members in Canada and beyond to refrain from making inflammatory comments or engaging in interactions that could exacerbate the situation. The Canadian authorities have taken over the matter, and an investigation is underway.