A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Chioma Okoli to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre over a negative product review she made on Facebook about Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste.
Okoli was arraigned on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, before Hon. Justice Peter Lifu and pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy and cyberstalking. Her bail application was adjourned until Friday, May 31, 2024.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, representing Okoli, told the court that his client suffered a miscarriage during the case and lost her baby.
The CEO of Erisco Foods, Eric Omeofia, had alleged that Okoli’s negative review impacted his business, claiming the product had too much sugar. Okoli was arrested in September 2023, with her lawyer raising concerns about her fundamental rights being breached.
The charges against Okoli include conspiracy and cyberstalking, which carry penalties under the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act. The case has sparked concerns about freedom of speech and online expression in Nigeria.
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