A 31-year-old Nigerian man, Adimabua Chukwuka, is facing a potential life sentence after being charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 60-year-old Mario Ferreira, a homeless man in Toronto, Canada.
According to reports, Toronto Police Service’s 52 Division arrested Chukwuka last Friday following a public tip.
Investigators allege that he attacked Ferreira without provocation, resulting in the victim’s death.
Authorities responded to a March 20 incident near 144 College St., after receiving a report from the University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constables about an unconscious man.
Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, arrived at the scene, but Ferreira was pronounced dead.
Police Seek More Information
Detective Trevor Grieve reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to justice, stating, “We are committed to bringing justice to Mr. Ferreira and his loved ones.”
He urged witnesses to share relevant information, adding, “No matter how small, any detail could help.”
Authorities released a photo of the suspect on March 21, leading to Chukwuka’s arrest shortly after.
Investigators revealed that security footage showed Ferreira lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent at 5:20 a.m. when the suspect allegedly armed himself with debris, believed to be from a construction site or dumpster.
“Without warning or provocation, the suspect approached Mr. Ferreira and used the debris to assault him repeatedly,” Grieve explained, adding that Chukwuka later fled the scene holding the object used in the attack.
Investigators continue to gather evidence and review security footage, urging the public to share additional video or information that may assist in the case.
Potential Life Sentence Under Canadian Law
Under Section 235(1) of the Canadian Criminal Code, a first-degree or second-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence.
The law states that individuals found guilty of such crimes face a minimum punishment of life imprisonment, with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years in the case of first-degree murder.
If convicted, Chukwuka will serve a life sentence without parole eligibility for 25 years.
Similar Case of Nigerian Man Convicted in the U.S.
In a separate case, 44-year-old Nigerian man, Alex Sualim, a Toronto resident, was recently sentenced to 12.5 years in prison by a U.S. District Judge after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. He was also ordered to pay over $13 million in restitution.
