Amaka Sunnberger is scheduled to appear in court today following her arrest by Toronto Police for allegedly making hate-motivated threats against some members of the Nigerian community in Canada.
Sunnberger was arrested after an investigation into online content she posted recently, threatening violence against some members of the Nigerian community.
She has been charged with uttering threats and will face a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Toronto Police Service, in a Sunday statement on its website titled “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” Toronto Police Service revealed that the case is treated as a suspected hate-motivated and that the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit is involved in the investigation.
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.”
TPS stated that hate-motivated crimes may involve consultation with the Crown, and if convicted, hate is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.
The statement added that hate speech charges, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and are often delayed.
It added: “When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional Investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.
“If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.”
@Nigerian Canadian Newspaper Canada