A 31-year-old Nigerian man, Adimabua Chukwuka, is facing a possible life sentence after being charged with first-degree murder in the death of Mario Ferreira, a 60-year-old homeless man, in Toronto, Canada.
Toronto Police Service’s 52 Division arrested Chukwuka on Friday, following a public tip, after investigators released his photograph on March 21.
Authorities allege that Chukwuka attacked Ferreira without provocation, leading to his death.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, the incident occurred on March 20 near 144 College Street, close to the University of Toronto.
Police responded to a call from the university’s Campus Safety Special Constables regarding an unconscious man. Despite the efforts of officers, firefighters, and paramedics, Ferreira was pronounced dead at the scene.
Security footage reportedly captured the brutal assault, showing Ferreira lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent at approximately 5:20 a.m. when the suspect approached him.
Detective Trevor Grieve, speaking on the case, said:
“Without warning or provocation, the suspect approaches Mr. Ferreira, who is lying on the bench, and uses debris—possibly from a construction site or dumpster—to assault him repeatedly and violently.”
Grieve added that the suspect fled the scene while still holding the debris used in the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
The Toronto Police Service is continuing its investigation, reviewing security footage and urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
“We are committed to bringing justice to Mr. Ferreira and his loved ones. Anyone who may have seen something, no matter how small, should contact the police immediately,” Grieve stated.
Legal Implications
Under Section 235 (1) of the Canadian Criminal Code, first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years.
The law specifies:
“Everyone who commits first-degree murder or second-degree murder is guilty of an indictable offence and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life.”
If convicted, Chukwuka faces life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Other Nigerians Facing Legal Challenges Abroad
This case comes shortly after Alex Sualim, a 44-year-old Nigerian man residing in Toronto, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison by a U.S. District Court. Sualim was also ordered to pay over $13 million in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information on Chukwuka’s case to contact the Toronto Police Service as investigations proceed.