Toronto, Canada – A 31-year-old Nigerian national, Adimabua Chukwuka, could face life imprisonment after being charged with the first-degree murder of 60-year-old homeless man Mario Ferreira in Toronto.
Chukwuka was arrested last Friday by the Toronto Police Service’s 52 Division following a public tip-off, PUNCH Metro learned on Tuesday. Authorities allege that the attack on Ferreira was unprovoked and resulted in the victim’s death.
The incident unfolded after police responded to a March 20 distress call from University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constables regarding an unconscious man near 144 College Street. Emergency crews, including officers, firefighters, and paramedics, arrived at the scene but pronounced Ferreira dead.
Detective Trevor Grieve of the Toronto Police Homicide Unit stressed the department’s dedication to securing justice, stating, “We are committed to bringing justice to Mr. Ferreira and his loved ones.” He appealed to the public for assistance, adding, “We are asking anyone who may have seen something, no matter how small, to call immediately.”
Investigators released a suspect photo on March 21, leading to Chukwuka’s swift arrest and first-degree murder charge. Security footage reviewed by police captured the victim lying on a bench near 6 Queen’s Park Crescent around 5:20 a.m. when the suspect allegedly armed himself with debris—possibly from a construction site or dumpster—before launching a violent assault.
“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. “He then fled the area holding the debris he used to commit the assault.”
Authorities are still gathering evidence and reviewing additional surveillance footage. “We are continuing to canvas for additional video and information,” Grieve said, urging witnesses or those with relevant footage to come forward.
Under Section 235(1) of Canada’s Criminal Code, a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence with no parole eligibility for at least 25 years. If found guilty, Chukwuka will face this stringent penalty.