A Canada-based Nigerian, Kayode Roberts, has been arrested and charged by the Toronto Police Service over alleged hate-motivated criminal harassment involving a neighbour and the neighbour’s dog.
In a statement published on the Toronto Police website on Sunday, February 8, authorities said the charges relate to three separate incidents that allegedly occurred between July 1 and December 29, 2025.
Police alleged that during the period, Roberts assaulted and harassed the victim, issued threats of harm, and kicked the victim’s dog. Investigators further claimed that the suspect made anti-2SLGBTQI+ remarks during the encounters.
The police statement said, “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 Toronto Police 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 offences such as assault or mischief are 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,” police said, adding that if a conviction is secured, the court may consider hate motivation as an aggravating factor during sentencing.
Authorities also noted 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 pursued at a later stage if deemed appropriate.
Roberts is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 10 Armoury Street, Toronto, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm, in Courtroom 202.
Police emphasized that all charges remain allegations and that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The arrest comes amid reports of a growing number of Canada-based Nigerians facing prosecution for various offences. In a separate case, Toronto police had earlier arrested another Nigerian, Oghenemaro Ejerua, 38, over allegations of assaulting vulnerable adults while working as a caregiver. He was apprehended after being declared wanted in December 2025.