A 31-year-old Nigerian man residing in Canada, Adimabua Chukwuka, is facing a potential life sentence after being charged with the first-degree murder of a 60-year-old homeless man, Mario Ferreira, in Toronto. Hobnob News reports on the disturbing case that has shocked the Canadian city.
Chukwuka was apprehended last Friday by the Toronto Police Service’s 52 Division, following a public tip. He is alleged to have attacked Ferreira without provocation, resulting in the victim’s death.
The incident occurred on March 20th, when police responded to a call from University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constables regarding an unconscious man near 144 College St. Upon arrival, officers, firefighters, and paramedics found Ferreira, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Trevor Grieve, leading the investigation, emphasized the police department’s commitment to seeking justice for Ferreira and his loved ones. He appealed to the public for any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
Security footage revealed that Ferreira was lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent around 5:20 a.m. when Chukwuka, armed with debris, possibly from a nearby construction site or dumpster, approached and violently assaulted him. Chukwuka then fled the scene.
“Without warning or provocation, the suspect approaches Mr. Ferreira, who is lying on the bench, and uses that debris to assault him repeatedly and violently,” Grieve stated.
Chukwuka was arrested shortly after homicide investigators released his photo to the public.
Under Section 235 (1) of the Canadian Criminal Code, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence. “Everyone who commits first-degree murder or second-degree murder is guilty of an indictable offence and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life,” the law states.
If convicted, Chukwuka will face life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years.
This case follows a recent sentencing of another Nigerian man in Toronto, Alex Sualim, who received a 12.5-year prison term for wire fraud and was ordered to pay over $13 million in restitution.
The violent nature of the alleged crime and the vulnerability of the victim have sparked outrage and concern in Toronto. Hobnob News will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide updates as they become available.
