By: Amadi Vincent Uzoma
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Friday admitted Chioma Okoli to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties for the same sum over charges relating to her online comments on Tomato powder Erisco Foods Limited.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment, agreed with the argument of the defendant’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, that the offense for which Ms. Okoli was charged was bailable. According to Mr. Lifu, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, pursuant to Article 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to the judge, refusing to release him on bail would constitute a misapplication of discretion, amounting to a pre-trial verdict and judicial brutality. He also made the decision based on Ms. Okoli’s health condition. Mr Lifu, in admitting him on bail, said that one of the sureties must be the defendant’s spouse or a blood relative with a variable source of income and also a resident in the jurisdiction of the defendant.
The judge, who ordered each surety to submit photo identification, also required the defendant to produce a passport if available.
He adjourned the trial to June 13 for further hearing.
Ms. Okoli was charged with making online comments about tomato paste from Erisco Foods Limited, which police said violated the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.
The Inspector General of Police interpreted her in court today Tuesday before a judge on two border cybercrime charges.
Although she pleaded not guilty to all charges, the judge ordered her detained until today to rule on her bail application. Earlier, prosecution lawyer Abdulrashid Sidi urged the court to reject defense lawyer Effiong’s bail application.
Mr. Sidi opposed the bail application on the grounds that, given the defendant’s background and record, she was likely to waive bail.
The prosecution informed the court that the defendant, while on administrative bail, had refused to respect the bail conditions and was likely to waive bail. Police allege that initial investigations have revealed significant evidence that Ms.Okoli was involved in violations of applicable laws, especially in relation to the inappropriate use of cyberspace fit.
On September 17, 2023, Ms Okoli shared a Facebook post saying that she had bought Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods the day before and found it extremely sweet.
She said that she usually buys the Gino or Sonia brands but they were out of stock. Her message sparked a backlash and forced the company management to seek police attention through a petition to the IGP. The controversy also sparked scrutiny of the product’s registration, prompting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to review the registration of Nagiko Tomato Blend from Erisco Foods in 2021.
