Reps Urge Canadian Government to Prosecute Nigerian Over Threats Against Yoruba and Benin People

The Nigerian House of Representatives has formally requested the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian residing in Canada, for making threats against Yoruba and Benin individuals.

In a video that went viral on X.com, Sunnberger, identified as an Ontario resident, was heard making anti-Yoruba comments during a TikTok virtual meeting. She expressed intentions to use poisonous substances to harm Yoruba and Benin people, framing her threats as a reaction to alleged hostility towards the Igbo community.

Federal lawmakers Biodun Omoleye and Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, representing the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group and the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, expressed grave concern over Sunnberger’s comments. They emphasized that her statements constitute a direct threat to the lives and safety of Nigerians and violate various international and Canadian laws.

The letter, addressed to the Canadian government, detailed the nature of Sunnberger’s threats, including incitement to violence and genocide through poisoning, which are seen as violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Criminal Code of Canada.

The lawmakers requested the following actions:

1. **Investigation**: An immediate and thorough investigation by Canadian law enforcement into Sunnberger’s actions.
2. **Prosecution**: Prosecution under relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada for incitement to genocide and hate speech.
3. **Public Denouncement**: A public condemnation of Sunnberger’s actions by the Canadian government to reaffirm its commitment to combatting hate speech and violence.
4. **Collaboration with Nigerian Authorities**: Collaboration with Nigerian authorities to prevent potential escalation of violence and ensure justice.

The letter underscores the seriousness of the violations and the need for swift and decisive action to address the threats posed by Sunnberger’s inflammatory statements.