ABUJA, NIGERIA – Chioma Okoli was arraigned on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, before Hon. Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Okoli faced charges related to a Facebook review she posted about tomato products made by Erisco Foods Limited.
Charges and Plea
Okoli pleaded not guilty to the two counts of conspiracy and cyberstalking. The court ordered her remand at the Suleja Correctional Centre until Friday, May 31, 2024, when a ruling on her bail application is expected.
Legal Representation and Case Background
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, along with S. M. Oyeghe, represented Okoli, while Abdulrashid Isyaku-Sidi appeared for the Inspector General of Police. Effiong informed the court that Okoli suffered a miscarriage during the course of the case and ultimately lost her baby.
The case stems from a complaint by Erisco Foods CEO Eric Omeofia, who alleged that a negative product review by Okoli on Facebook negatively impacted his business. In September 2023, Okoli was arrested by the police after she posted that the Nagiko Tomato Mix she purchased had too much sugar. Her lawyer claimed that Okoli’s fundamental rights were being breached by the police and Omeofia.
Charges Detailed
The charges against Okoli are centered on allegations of conspiracy and cyberstalking under the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act. The charges read:
1. Count One: “That you Chioma Edoka Okoli, also known as Chioma Egodi Jnr, Happiness Obas (now at large) and Don Kashking (now at large) of on or about sometime in the month of September 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired among yourself 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.”
2. Count Two: “That you Chioma Edoka Okoli, also known as Chioma Egodi Jnr, Happiness Obas (now at large) and Don Kashking (now at large) of on or about sometime in the month of September 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 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 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, and thereby committed an offense contrary and punishable under Section 24 (1) (B) Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.”
Upcoming Court Proceedings
The court has scheduled the next hearing for Okoli’s bail application on May 31, 2024. The case highlights significant issues regarding freedom of speech, corporate accountability, and the enforcement of cybercrime laws in Nigeria.
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