- The case, being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, has prompted the involvement of the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit
A 46-year-old Canadian-Nigerian woman, Amaka Sonnberger, is set to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024, following her arrest by Toronto Police.
Sonnberger was apprehended on Sunday after allegedly posting hate-motivated threats online against specific members of the Nigerian community on August 25.
Sonnberger faces charges of uttering threats and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice. The case, being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence, has prompted the involvement of the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit.
In a statement titled “Suspected Hate-Motivated Threatening Investigation, Woman Arrested,” Toronto Police detailed the incident, stating that the threats were reported on August 28, leading to her arrest on September 1. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, highlighting that hate-motivated crimes can result in harsher sentences if proven.
The statement also noted that charges related to hate speech, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent, which can lead to delays in prosecution.