Toronto Police have detained Amaka Sonnberger, a Nigerian lady living in Canada, for allegedly threatening people of Yoruba and Benin origin with hate speech. Sonnberger may be deported if it is determined that she is not a citizen or she may receive a prison sentence of up to two years if proven guilty. The arrest, according to Daily Post, comes after a concerning event in which Sonnberger was overheard threatening the Yoruba and Benin communities at a virtual TikTok conference.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
She was heard stating in Pidgin English in a widely shared video: “Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and Benin.” Put poison in every unfinished meal for work. Add poison to one’s water and make one’s enemies one by one.
Toronto Police’s Hate Crime Unit acted swiftly after receiving reports of the incident on August 28, 2024. In a statement, the police confirmed, “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.”
Sonnberger’s case is being taken very seriously under Canadian law. According to Section 319 (1a) of the Canadian Criminal Code, inciting hatred against an identifiable group is a criminal offense that can lead to up to two years in prison.
The law states, “Everyone who, by communicating statements in any public place, incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace is guilty of (a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.”
The consequences for Sonnberger could be even more severe if she is not a Canadian citizen. According to the “Migrants Know Your Rights Guide,” published by several advocacy groups, migrants convicted of crimes punishable by more than six months in prison could face deportation. This applies to both temporary and permanent residents, though the specifics can vary based on their status and the crime committed.
If Sonnberger is indeed a migrant and is convicted, she may face deportation from Canada. The guide states, “If you are convicted of a crime, you could lose your immigration status. Whether you lose your status depends on ‘how serious’ the crime is, the specific crime committed, and the type of status you possess.” For permanent residents, a prison sentence exceeding six months for certain crimes could result in losing their status, while even minor offenses can lead to deportation for those without permanent status.
Toronto Police have indicated that hate will be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing if Sonnberger is convicted. The police also noted that charges related to hate speech, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, require the Attorney General’s consent and may be subject to procedural delays.
In their statement, the police clarified, “When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to the police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional Investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit, or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.”
