Nigerian Caregiver Wanted Over Alleged Abuse of Elderly Residents in Toronto Care Home

Published on 3 January 2026 at 13:37

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

Toronto, Canada — Canadian authorities have declared a Nigerian-born caregiver wanted in connection with a serious assault investigation involving vulnerable residents at a group home in east-end Toronto, Police say. The Toronto Police Service on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, released the name and image of the suspect as they escalate efforts to locate him amid mounting concern over the safety of elderly and otherwise dependent adults under his care. 

Police reports indicate that the investigation began on December 10, 2025, after officers responded to a call for an assault near Sibley Avenue and Dentonia Park Avenue, a neighbourhood just west of the Victoria Park subway station. Investigators allege the incidents occurred over an extended period, with the accused reportedly assaulting multiple residents at the group home between November 1 and November 30, 2025

In a public statement, the Toronto Police Service identified the suspect as 38-year-old Oghenemaro Dave Ejerua, a Toronto resident employed as a caregiver at the home. Police allege that over the course of a month he committed a series of assaults on vulnerable adults living at the facility, which is tasked with supporting people who may be elderly, disabled, or otherwise at risk. Ejerua is now wanted on seven counts of assault and is described by authorities as approximately five feet eight inches tall, with a medium build, black curly hair, and black facial hair. Authorities have released an image of the suspect to aid in his identification.

The Toronto Police Service is urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating Ejerua. Individuals with leads are asked to contact 55 Division or to provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Police emphasise that public assistance is crucial in apprehending suspects in serious cases involving assaults on vulnerable individuals. 

Officials have withheld additional details about the nature of the alleged assaults or the condition of the victims, citing the ongoing investigation. However, the case has heightened scrutiny on safety standards and oversight in care homes, particularly in facilities responsible for the wellbeing of vulnerable adults.

News of the manhunt has sparked concern among local community groups and advocates for senior and disability care. Long-term care and group home settings routinely serve individuals who are dependent on professional caregivers for daily support, making allegations of abuse especially troubling. Experts note that such incidents can have deep psychological and physical impacts on residents who lack the capacity to easily report or defend against mistreatment. 

Advocacy groups have emphasised that assaults against vulnerable populations, especially in care settings, undermine public trust and highlight the importance of rigorous hiring practices, regular oversight, and transparent reporting mechanisms. They also underscore that all allegations remain subject to the legal process, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This incident aligns with broader concerns raised in recent years over elder abuse and violence against people with disabilities within institutional settings. While cases are relatively rare, they attract significant attention because they involve individuals who, due to health or mobility limitations, are particularly reliant on professionals for their safety and quality of life. 

As the search for Ejerua continues, Toronto police have asked the public to remain vigilant and report sightings or any potential information that could assist investigators. Authorities emphasise that the suspect should not be approached directly and that tips should be shared with law enforcement to ensure a safe and lawful resolution. 

The unfolding case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in protecting vulnerable adults in care settings, and the critical role of community cooperation in supporting law enforcement efforts to address and deter abuse. 

📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.