The legal clash between Chioma Okoli, who penned a Facebook review on Erisco Tomato paste, and Erisco Foods Ltd has ignited a flurry of responses from Nigerians across the social media platform X.
Erisco Foods’ decision to file a staggering N5 Billion lawsuit against Okoli has sparked public interest and debate.
According to Okoli’s legal representative, Inibehe Effiong, the contentious Facebook post generated many comments, prompting legal action from Erisco Foods.
Subsequently, the Inspector General of Police intervened, levying a “cybercrime” charge against Chioma.
Effiong disclosed that they appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, February 29, 2024, to address the charge.
Dear Erisco food,
What you are doing to Chioma is bullying, in her tweet there is nowhere it said that your product is bad. In review, people can give you one star, go to goggle store and see it.
All she did was ask honest questions.
You are doing this because it Nigeria anyway. pic.twitter.com/JtwM9349bG— Dr. Nnanyelugo (@Nnanyelugo13) March 2, 2024
I worry about how battered mentally we are in Nigeria by corrupt and flawed systems.
Chioma has the right to review a product as a consumer.
Erisco has the right to file an action if they feel aggrieved.
Erisco HAS ZERO RIGHTS TO BULLY A CITIZEN WITH THE POLICE. https://t.co/QBYccqic8L— Foza Billions (The Oracle) (@fozadoza) March 1, 2024
This is when you need the media!
Why is the country not even boycotting Erisco food and their products already?Gosh! I am so sad 😞
I should go offline https://t.co/ytdPs7kd66— Your Favorite HR buddy (@themmanuelfaith) March 2, 2024
If this kind of case was brought before Kenyan courts I can fairly predict how it’ll end. Erisco Foods would not only lose customers, it will lose the case and pay for all her legal fees. But in this contraption called Nigeria where even ordinary Nigerians can’t stand on business https://t.co/57sZCLYzjG
— lolkerra سقراط (@SocratesMbamalu) March 2, 2024
I understand the displeasure of The CEO of Erisco food.
A bad review particularly done online can kill the years of hard work it takes build a business brand.
If the reviews by the lady are unfounded, all we can do if beg the CEO. pic.twitter.com/X3DquP4oBp
— Austine Akpos (@Akpotin1) March 1, 2024
Eric Umeofia the CEO of Erisco Food is surfing on the lawlessness of the Nigerian State & ignorance cum weakness of the citizenry. That Arise TV video is very depressing. An empowered citizenry would #BoycottEriscoFoods until they apologise & indemnify Chioma for all the trauma. pic.twitter.com/T3vkaSfWhO
— Fatima #ObiDatti (First Lady™)أميرة المملكة الوسطى (@AmazingEleojo) March 1, 2024
Chioma Okoli vs Erisco Foods
Mrs Chioma DIDN'T make a review,what she did was an attempt to make people boycott Erisco products.
She is not a defenseless lady. If you live in glass house, don't throw stone. Even in Nigeria, if you cant afford a lawyer, the State DPP provides… pic.twitter.com/vBEG8Y8IBY
— Pastor Okezie J. Atañi… (@ONsogbu) March 1, 2024
I watched the documentary of the lady being prosecuted by Erisco Foods Limited.
All I can say is that Nigeria needs to protect consumers of products.
If the Product damaged her internal organs what are we going to be saying?
Quality control for eatables should be very strict.— Toluwani (LP) 👨👩👦 (@T_akinpade) February 26, 2024
Key Points to Note:
Effiong recently took to social media to elucidate that they have filed a motion to transfer the case from Abuja to Lagos. This motion is grounded on the premise that the events leading to the charge transpired in Lagos, the domicile of both parties.
Notably, as of the preceding day, Chioma had not been served with the charge sheet by the police, citing difficulties in doing so.
The police initially attempted to serve her through her counsel (Effiong) but rescinded their motion after failing to substantiate their efforts to serve her personally.
Effiong apprised the court of their decision to expedite proceedings due to the police’s failure to serve Chioma. He revealed their independent acquisition of the charge.
Furthermore, Effiong highlighted a pending Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the territorial jurisdiction of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to adjudicate the case. He advocated for either its dismissal or transfer to the Lagos Division.
The case has been adjourned to April 18, 2024, for possible arraignment or the hearing of pending applications/objections.
Chioma’s absence in court on Thursday, attributed to the lack of service, is anticipated to be rectified on the next adjourned date.
Effiong underscored that their legal representation for Chioma is pro bono, urging conscientious Nigerians to contribute to Chioma’s Legal Defense Fund.
The unfolding developments in the case, notably an interview featuring Chioma Okoli and the CEO of Erisco Foods, have attracted significant attention, further fueling public interest and scrutiny.
