A Nigerian woman potentially faces a seven-year prison term for her critical review of a can of tomato puree, following allegations from its manufacturer of detrimental impact on their business. Chioma Okoli, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, is undergoing both criminal prosecution and civil litigation for her unfavorable remarks regarding a product by Nigerian food producer Erisco Foods.
Okoli urged her 18,000 Facebook followers to share their opinions on Erisco’s Nagiko Tomato Mix after she posted a photo of an opened can of the product, expressing dissatisfaction with its sweetness. One commenter rebuked her, saying, “Stop damaging my brother’s product. If you dislike it, use another brand instead of airing it on social media or contacting customer service.”
In response, Okoli retorted, “Please advise your brother to halt harming people with his product. Yesterday was my first time using it, and it’s nothing but pure sugar.”
Chioma Okoli (shown in the image) is facing criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for her critical remarks about a product manufactured by Nigerian food company Erisco Foods.
The pregnant businesswoman, expecting her fourth child, was apprehended by undercover officers of Nigeria’s national police in September while attending church. She recounted to CNN being forced to stand in a damp cell for hours.
“There were no available seats, so I stood all through until the following day. My legs were submerged in water from the leaking roof,” she recounted.
“At times, I squatted to alleviate the pressure on my legs. My mind was consumed with thoughts of my children back home. I talked to myself, prayed, and felt utterly overwhelmed,” she added.
Okoli faces criminal charges for two separate offenses, the gravest of which carries a potential seven-year prison sentence.
She stands accused of conspiring with two others to ‘incite people against Erisco Foods Limited’, an offense that could lead to a maximum seven-year imprisonment.
Additionally, Okoli is charged with ‘inciting Erisco Foods Limited with false information’, an offense that carries a possible three-year jail term along with a fine of seven million naira (£3,950).
In Nigeria, the company’s CEO, Eric Umeofia, has faced criticism for his intimidating conduct towards Okoli.
During an interview regarding the ongoing legal dispute, he disclosed her address to the nation.
Erisco itself is pursuing a civil lawsuit against her, alleging that ‘several suppliers’ terminated their relationship with the company after her comments. They are seeking 5 billion naira (£2.8 million) in damages.
In response, she has initiated two countersuits against both the police and Erisco, framing it as a David vs. Goliath struggle, highlighting the unfair treatment she has endured.
The company’s CEO, Eric Umeofia, has faced criticism in Nigeria for his aggressive behavior towards Okoli. He publicly disclosed her address during an interview about the ongoing legal dispute, drawing condemnation from her lawyer, Inhibehe Effiong, who expressed concern for Okoli’s safety and that of her family.
Umeofia further asserted to broadcasters that he would ‘rather die than allow someone to tarnish my image I worked 40 years to grow.’
The conduct of both the police and Erisco has attracted widespread criticism from international groups. Amnesty International stated: ‘Harassment and intimidation of Chioma Okoli must end now.’
