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

A Canada-based Nigerian man has been charged in Toronto in connection with a suspected hate-motivated criminal harassment case, according to the Toronto Police Service.
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‎Police allege that 40-year-old Kayode Roberts was involved in a series of incidents between July 1 and December 29, 2025, during which he reportedly assaulted and harassed a neighbour, issued threats of harm and kicked the victim’s dog.
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‎Investigators also said Roberts made anti-2SLGBTQI+ comments directed at the victim during confrontations, prompting the Hate Crime Unit to treat the matter as a suspected hate-motivated offence.
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‎Roberts was located and arrested by Toronto police on February 4, 2026. He now faces multiple charges, including:
‎Assault
‎Criminal harassment
‎Uttering threats
‎Wilfully causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal
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‎Under Canadian law, offences driven by prejudice or bias can lead to harsher penalties if hate is considered an aggravating factor during sentencing, the police statement noted. Charges relating to hate propaganda, such as promoting hatred or advocating genocide, could be added at a later stage, subject to approval by the Attorney General.
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‎Roberts is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on March 19, 2026. Authorities reiterated that all charges are allegations and that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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‎His arrest follows other recent cases involving Nigerians in Canada, including the apprehension of another man charged with assaulting vulnerable adults in Toronto.
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