The House of Representatives has formally requested the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian citizen residing in Canada, for making threatening comments against Nigerians of Yoruba and Bini descent.
A video clip that surfaced on X.com on Tuesday captured a woman’s voice making anti-Yoruba remarks during a virtual meeting on TikTok.
The woman, who identified herself as a resident of Ontario, Canada, threatened to bring poisonous substances to her workplace and harm any Yoruba or Bini individual she encountered, claiming her statements were in response to perceived hostility towards the Igbo people.
She also expressed confidence in her immunity from arrest, citing her Canadian citizenship and the differences between the legal systems in Canada and Nigeria.
She said: “Somebody just sent me a message, saying they arrested me and plan to deport me. With a passport? I’m a Canadian citizen. Look at me now, I’m at home, why would I lie?”
In a letter signed by Biodun Omoleye, Chairman of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora Matters, the House expressed grave concern over Sunnberger’s inflammatory statements, which they argued pose a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians.
The letter stated: “On behalf of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group and the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, we express our deep concern regarding the actions of Ms. Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian citizen residing in Canada.
“Ms. Sunnberger has recently been recorded making statements that incite violence against the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups in Nigeria, including advocating for the poisoning of food and water supplies to cause mass genocide.
“Her recorded statements represent a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians.
Her incitement to violence and call for genocide through poisoning are not only deeply troubling but also constitute a clear violation of multiple international, Canadian, and Ontario laws.
“Such rhetoric is dangerous and has the potential to incite real-world violence, both in Nigeria and within the Nigerian diaspora.”
The lawmakers also called for an immediate and thorough investigation into Sunnberger’s actions, her prosecution under relevant Canadian laws, public condemnation of her actions by the Canadian government, and collaboration with Nigerian authorities to prevent potential violence escalation.
“In light of the seriousness of these violations, we respectfully request the following actions:
“Investigation: An immediate and thorough investigation should be conducted into Ms. Sunberger’s actions by Canadian law enforcement and relevant authorities.
“Prosecution: We urge that Ms. Sunberger be prosecuted under the relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada to hold her accountable for her incitement to genocide and hate speech.
“Public Denouncement: We request that the Canadian government issue a public condemnation of Ms. Sunberger’s actions to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to combating hate speech, violence, and genocide.
“Collaboration with Nigerian authorities: We also request that Canadian authorities collaborate with Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence as a result of Ms. Sunberger’s incitement, and to ensure that justice is served.”
