Canada-based Nigerian charged over alleged hate harassment

By Goli Innocent

A Canada-based Nigerian, Kayode Roberts, has been charged by the Toronto Police Service over an alleged case of hate-motivated criminal harassment following incidents said to have occurred in 2025.

According to a statement published on the Toronto Police website on Sunday, the charges stem from three separate incidents between July 1 and December 29, 2025, involving a neighbour.

Police alleged that Roberts assaulted and harassed the victim during the period, issued threats of harm and kicked the victim’s dog. Investigators further claimed that the suspect made anti-2SLGBTQI+ remarks during the confrontations.

The police 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.”

The 40-year-old Toronto resident was located and arrested on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, following investigations by the Hate Crime Unit.

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

Toronto Police explained that under Canadian law, when an offence such as assault or mischief is believed to be motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, investigators may consult with 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, the court may consider hate as an aggravating factor when imposing sentence.”

The police also clarified that charges related to hate propaganda including the wilful promotion of hatred or advocating genocide require the consent of the Attorney General and may be considered at a later stage.

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

Police stressed that all charges remain allegations and that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

His arrest comes amid a growing number of Canada-based Nigerians facing prosecution for various offences.

There had been earlier report that another Nigerian, Oghenemaro Ejerua, 38, was arrested by Toronto police over allegations of assaulting vulnerable adults while working as a caregiver in parts of the city. He was apprehended after being declared wanted in December 2025.