The Toronto Police Service has launched an investigation into a Nigerian-Canadian woman, Amaka Sunnberger, following her online threats to poison Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.
The incident has sparked significant concern, prompting both Nigerian authorities and the diaspora to demand immediate action from Canadian law enforcement.
Toronto Police Probe Poison Threats
The Toronto Police Service has confirmed that it is investigating Amaka Sunnberger, a Nigerian woman residing in Canada, who allegedly threatened to poison members of the Yoruba and Benin communities. According to Sergeant Bassey Osagie, the investigation was initiated after the disturbing video emerged online, where Sunnberger made inflammatory statements during a live TikTok session.
In the video, Amaka Sunnberger, speaking in Pidgin English, declared her intention to harm Yoruba and Benin individuals, urging her viewers to poison food and water at workplaces.
“Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one,” she said.
Nigerian Authorities Demand Prosecution
The gravity of Sunnberger’s threats has not gone unnoticed by Nigerian authorities. The House of Representatives, alongside the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has formally petitioned the Canadian government, calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of Sunnberger.
In a letter addressed to the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, the House of Reps expressed deep concern, stating that Sunnberger’s remarks represent a direct threat to the safety of Nigerians abroad.
The letter emphasised the need for swift action, stating: “In light of the seriousness of these violations, we respectfully request an immediate and thorough investigation into Ms. Sunnberger’s actions by Canadian law enforcement and appropriate authorities.”
Sunnberger Responds to Arrest Rumours
Amaka Sunnberger, responding to the backlash in a subsequent video, dismissed the calls for her arrest and deportation, asserting her status as a Canadian citizen. Speaking in Pidgin English, she said, “Somebody just sends me a message, say them arrest me, say them wan deport me, with passport? I be Canada pikin. See am now, I dey house, why I go dey lie?”
The incident has caused significant outrage within the Nigerian diaspora community, with groups in Canada already reporting Sunnberger to relevant Canadian authorities. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, identified Sunnberger as Amaka Patience Sunnberger, noting that she had since deleted her TikTok account in the wake of the controversy.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Reaction
The Toronto Police Service has yet to release further details on the ongoing investigation, but the incident has ignited widespread debate and concern across social media platforms.
Many have condemned Sunnberger’s comments as dangerous and inflammatory, urging Canadian authorities to take decisive action to prevent any potential harm. The situation continues to develop as both Canadian and Nigerian authorities work together to address the serious nature of these threats.
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