Chief Eric Umeofia MD/CEO Erisco
Chioma Okoli, a Nigerian woman who made a negative review of Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste, has been remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Peter Lifu, ordered her remand following her arraignment on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Okoli faces charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking related to her review of Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix, which she claimed had excessive sugar content. The review, posted on Facebook in 2023, led to significant backlash from the company. Erisco Foods’ CEO, Eric Omeofia, alleged that Okoli’s comments negatively impacted the business, prompting legal action.
During the court session, Okoli pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite her plea, Justice Peter Lifu ordered her to be remanded in custody until Friday, May 31, 2024, when a ruling on her bail application is expected.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, along with S. M Oyeghe, is representing Okoli. Effiong raised concerns about the treatment of his client, revealing that Okoli suffered a miscarriage during the course of the case and eventually lost her baby. He argued that her fundamental rights have been breached by both the police and Erisco Foods.
The case has drawn significant attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern that Okoli might not receive fair treatment. Critics argue that the legal action against her is an overreach, questioning whether the severity of the charges aligns with the nature of her online review.
The charges against Okoli include allegations of intentionally using social media to disseminate false information about Erisco Foods, thereby causing annoyance, inconvenience, and potential harm to the company’s reputation. The specific counts, as read in court, accuse Okoli of conspiring with others, including individuals now at large, to instigate public sentiment against the company.
The counts read: “That you Chioma Edoka Okoli also known as Chioma Egodi Jnr, Happiness Obas now at large, and Don Kashking now at large, on or about sometime in the month of September 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired among yourselves and intentionally sent a message by means of computer and social media network such as Facebook, by using your Facebook handle by name Chioma Egodi Jnr, with the intention of instigating people against Erisco Foods Limited, knowing the said information to be false and with intent to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to Erisco Foods Limited, the management, and members of the family, thereby committed an offense contrary and punishable under Section 27 (1) (B) Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.”
The public outcry over Okoli’s case reflects broader concerns about freedom of expression and the use of cybercrime laws to stifle dissent. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their solidarity with Okoli, arguing that her review, while critical, should not result in such severe legal consequences. They see this case as a litmus test for the justice system’s ability to balance corporate interests with individual rights.
The managing director of Champion Newspaper, Nwaduito Iheakanwa, highlighted the importance of recognizing individuals who positively influence Nigeria, suggesting that the treatment of critics like Okoli should be fair and just to foster national progress.
As the court prepares to rule on Okoli’s bail application, the case remains a focal point of public debate on the limits of free speech and corporate accountability in Nigeria. The outcome will likely have significant implications for how online reviews and criticism are handled in the future, setting a precedent for both legal and public discourse.
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