A Canada-based Nigerian, Kayode Roberts, has been charged by the Toronto Police Service after he allegedly serially harassed his neighbour, using anti-2SLGBTQI remarks.
Anti-2SLGBTQI remarks refer to rhetoric that opposes, discriminates against, or promotes hatred toward people who identify as Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex.
According to a statement published on the Toronto Police website on Sunday, the charges relate to incidents said to have occurred between July 1 and December 29, 2025.
Police alleged that Kayode Roberts assaulted and harassed a neighbour on multiple occasions during the period, issued threats of harm, and kicked the victim’s dog.
Investigators further claimed that the suspect repeatedly hurled anti-2SLGBTQI+ insults at the victim.
The police statement noted that three separate incidents were reported within the timeframe under review, during which the accused allegedly engaged in threatening behaviour and acts of violence.
Kayode Roberts, a 40-year-old Toronto resident, was located and arrested on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
He has been charged with assault, wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal, uttering threats, and criminal harassment.
Authorities said the case is being handled as a suspected hate-motivated offence and is under review by the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit.
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 Crown prosecutors.
Police explained that if a suspect is convicted, the court may treat hate motivation as an aggravating factor during sentencing. They 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 considered at a later stage.
Roberts is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 10 Armoury Street, Toronto, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 2 p.m., in Courtroom 202.
Police stressed that all charges remain allegations and that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The arrest comes amid reports of other Canada-based Nigerians facing prosecution for various offences. In a related development, Toronto police had previously arrested another Nigerian, Oghenemaro Ejerua, for allegedly assaulting vulnerable adults while working as a caregiver in parts of the city.
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