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Canada-based Nigerian faces trial over alleged hate-motivated harassment

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2 months ago

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A Canada-based Nigerian, Kayode Roberts, has been charged by the Toronto Police Service following an investigation into what authorities described as a suspected hate-motivated criminal harassment case.

PUNCH Metro gathered from a statement published on the Toronto Police website on Sunday that the charges stem from a series of incidents alleged to have occurred between July 1 and December 29, 2025.

Police alleged that Roberts assaulted and harassed a neighbour during the period, issued threats of harm, and kicked the victim’s dog.

Investigators also claimed that he made anti-2SLGBTQI+ remarks directed at the victim during the confrontations.

The statement read, “During three incidents occurring between July 1 and December 29, 2025, the accused is alleged to have assaulted, threatened to harm, and harassed the victim, as well as kicked the victim’s dog.

“During these incidents, the accused is also alleged to have made anti-2SLGBTQI+ comments directed at the victim.”

According to the police, the 40-year-old Toronto resident was located and arrested on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

He has been charged with assault, wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal, uttering threats, and criminal harassment.

Authorities explained that under Canadian law, when a criminal offence such as assault or mischief is believed to be motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate, investigators may consult the Crown prosecutor.

“This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence by the Hate Crime Unit,” the statement added.

“If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the judge may consider hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.”

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Police further clarified that charges relating to hate propaganda — including the wilful promotion of hatred or advocating genocide — require the consent of the Attorney General and could be considered at a later stage.

Roberts is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 10 Armoury Street, Toronto, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 2 p.m., in Courtroom 202.

The police emphasised that all charges remain allegations and that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

His arrest adds to a growing list of Canada-based Nigerians facing prosecution for various offences.

PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that another Nigerian, 38-year-old Oghenemaro Ejerua, was arrested by Toronto police for allegedly assaulting vulnerable adults while working as a caregiver in the Sibley Avenue and Dentonia Park Avenue areas. He was apprehended after being declared wanted in December 2025.

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Crime

Army rescues 11 kidnap victims, arrests suspected terrorist

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10 hours ago

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April 14, 2026

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The Nigerian Army says it has rescued at least 11 kidnapped victims and arrested several terror and criminal suspects in coordinated nationwide operations carried out across multiple theatres within the last 24 hours.

In a statement posted on Tuesday via the official Nigerian Army X handle, Nigerian Army said troops recorded “significant operational successes across multiple theatres,” adding that the operations “dealt decisive blows to terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims and disrupted criminal networks.”

In the North-East, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics courier in Ngamdu, Borno State, who reportedly confessed to supporting insurgent activities around Gubio and Magumeri.

The Army said the arrest formed part of its intensified counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Also in Monguno, troops apprehended two suspected collaborators linked to a terrorist kingpin. According to the Army, items recovered from them included “4 android phones, 3 wristwatches, a power bank, 2 pairs of terrorist uniforms, one mudu of garri, and ₦135,500,” while the suspect’s wife and three children were also taken into custody for further investigation.

In separate operations, troops rescued six kidnapped victims in Bauchi State, with the Army stating that the rescue efforts “reinforced ongoing search-and-rescue operations” across affected communities.

In Yobe State, troops intercepted a truck in Nguru, which was “falsely declared as carrying beverages but found loaded with large consignments of medical supplies intended for illicit cross-border movement.”

The Army listed recovered items to include cartons of antibiotics, injections, syrups, bandages, and other pharmaceutical products, while noting that “the driver and three occupants are currently in custody.”

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In the North-West, troops in Katsina State arrested a suspected drug peddler in possession of 487 grams of cannabis sativa. In Zamfara State, the Army said troops responding to a distress call “rescued two abducted NDLEA personnel, neutralised threats, and apprehended one terrorist,” adding that the injured personnel have been evacuated for medical attention.

Operations in the North-Central also led to gains in Plateau State, where troops “thwarted cattle rustling attempts, recovering 92 cattle and rescuing an injured herder.”

Two suspects were also arrested with a pistol, ammunition, phones, and cash.

In the Federal Capital Territory, troops raided an illegal mining site and recovered equipment, including pumping machines, shovels, and diggers, while in Rivers State, they uncovered and destroyed illegal refining infrastructure containing thousands of litres of stolen crude and refined products.

In Edo State, troops working with other security agencies also arrested a suspected kidnapper, with the Army saying the operations “reflect enhanced inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven engagements” across the country.

Reaffirming its position, the Army said it remains “unwavering in its resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and protect lives and property,” while urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

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Crime

PHOTOS: Ghanaian pastor arrested over alleged attempt to bury five-month-old baby alive

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1 day ago

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April 13, 2026

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A pastor has been arrested in connection with the alleged attempt to bury a five-month-old baby alive at Abofrem in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana.

The suspect, Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, Head Pastor of Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, was apprehended following the incident, which has shocked residents of the community.

According to eyewitness accounts, the pastor and an accomplice were allegedly spotted at a refuse dump around 11 p.m. under suspicious circumstances with the baby.

An eyewitness, Winfred Agbah, said he intervened after noticing unusual activity and discovered that the child was still alive and appeared to be on the verge of being buried.

He raised an alarm, and swift intervention helped prevent what could have turned into a fatal incident.

Meanwhile, the Chief Linguist of Abofrem, Nana Yaw Badu, confirmed that the suspect had earlier informed him that the child was dead, which led to burial arrangements being discussed

He, however, said he was unaware that the baby was still alive at the time.

The baby girl is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital.

The Ghana Police Service has since arrested the suspect and his accomplice, who are assisting with ongoing investigations.

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‘Pastor r@ped me on church altar during special deliverance’ – 16-year-old Anambra schoolgirl narrates

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1 day ago

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April 13, 2026

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A 16-year-old schoolgirl, Precious Okafor, has revealed how a pastor in Anambra State s3xually abused her during a purported deliverance session.

Okafor spoke in an interview with Punch after being rescued by operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency in Onitsha.

“My aunt said her pastor told her I was possessed and needed deliverance. She brought me to his house at night and left me with him,” she said.

She alleged that the pastor, Evangelist Dozie Ezani of Jesus Is Ontop Ministry, later made advances toward her.

“Later, while I was asleep, the pastor came into the room and started touching me, but I pushed his hands away. After several attempts, he eventually left. I later overheard his wife asking him where he had been, and he told her he was ‘checking on the children’,” she said.

“The following day, he took me to his church in Amichi to carry out a ‘special deliverance’.

“He told me that I urgently needed God’s special intervention to be freed. But while the deliverance was going on at the altar, he attempted to force himself on me, but I resisted.

“For days, he didn’t give me food. At one point, I became very weak due to hunger, and the pastor overpowered me and started forcefully having intercourse with me. He did that several times on the altar during the deliverance session.

“He forcibly had intercourse with me, both in the church and sometimes at his poultry farm in Igboukwu, a neighbouring town in Aguata LGA.”

The suspect admitted to misconduct but claimed “the devil’s handiwork” influenced his actions.

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“It is the devil’s handiwork. I didn’t know what came over me,” he said.

“I was arrested on my farm. The security operatives took me to their office in Onitsha, the same day and later transferred me to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka.

“I appeal to the security operatives to temper justice with mercy. It is not entirely my fault, as the girl was brought to me. I also promised to cover her medical bills if I am released.”

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