Canada-based Nigerian faces life sentence for killing homeless man.

A 31-year-old Nigerian man, Adimabua Chukwuka, has been charged with first-degree murder in Toronto, Canada, for allegedly attacking and killing 60-year-old homeless man Mario Ferreira. Toronto Police arrested Chukwuka last Friday following a public tip. Authorities responded to a call on March 20 about an unconscious man near 144 College St., but Ferreira was pronounced dead at the scene.

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 anyone with relevant information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could be crucial.

According to the report, homicide investigators released a photo of the suspect on March 21, leading to Chukwuka’s arrest shortly afterward. He has since been charged with first-degree murder.

Grieve explained that security footage captured the victim lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent around 5:20 a.m. when the suspect armed himself with debris, possibly sourced from a construction site or dumpster.

“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 said.

Grieve added, “He then fled the area holding the debris he used to commit the assault.” He emphasized that investigators are still gathering evidence and reviewing security footage.

“We are continuing to canvas for additional video and information,” he said, urging anyone with relevant footage to come forward.

Under Section 235(1) of the Canadian Criminal Code, a conviction for first-degree or second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

The law states, “Everyone who commits first-degree murder or second-degree murder is guilty of an indictable offence and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life.”

It further specifies that “the sentence of imprisonment for life prescribed by this section is a minimum punishment.”