Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is set to hear the bail application of Mrs. Chioma Okoli, a Facebook user standing trial for a negative review of a tomato paste product belonging to Erisco Foods Limited. The hearing is scheduled for Friday, following an adjournment on Wednesday. Okoli is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and cyber-stalking.
Initial Arraignment and Remand Order
On Wednesday, Okoli was arraigned by the Office of the Inspector General of Police. She pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of the defendant’s bail application. However, the court ordered her remand at the Suleja Correctional Centre and adjourned the hearing on the bail application until Friday.
Details of the Allegations
The charges against Okoli arose from a petition by Erisco Foods Limited, alleging that her review of their Nagiko Tomatoes brand was damaging. The police, after investigating the petition, filed the charges, stating that Okoli had committed the alleged offences in September 2023.
One of the charges read: “That you Chioma Edoka Okoli, also known as Chioma Egodi Jnr, along with Happiness Obas and Don Kashking (both now at large), conspired and intentionally sent a message via computer and social media, including Facebook, with the intention of instigating people against Erisco Foods Limited. The message was known to be false and intended to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to Erisco Foods Limited, its management, and family members. This constitutes an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (B) of the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.”
Bail Application and Defense Arguments
During the bail application argument, her lawyer, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, a human rights activist, informed the court that Okoli had suffered a miscarriage due to the psychological stress from the case. He emphasized the need for her release on bail given her deteriorating health condition.
Prosecution’s Opposition to Bail
The prosecution, led by Abdulrashid Isyaku-Sidi, opposed the bail application. They argued that Okoli had previously failed to comply with bail conditions, warranting her continued detention.
Erisco Foods Limited CEO’s Allegations
The case originates from an incident in 2023, when Erisco Foods CEO, Eric Omeofia, claimed that Okoli’s negative review of their Nagiko Tomato Mix harmed his business. This led to her arrest in September 2023, with her lawyer accusing the police and Omeofia of rights violations.
Next Steps and Future Hearings
Justice Lifu adjourned the ruling on the bail application to Friday and set the main hearing for June 13. Until the ruling on her bail application, Okoli will remain in custody. The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Chioma Okoli in prison after she was arraigned for alleged defamation against Erisco Foods Limited.
Chioma Okoli denied any wrongdoing when the charges were read to her before Justice Peter Lifu on Tuesday. She is being prosecuted under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act. The court will decide on her bail request on Friday, May 31, and the main trial will commence on June 13.
Related Articles
Abba Kyari Granted Two-Week Bail for Mother’s Burial
Trump’s Hush-Money Case Nears Verdict
Court Denies Bail to Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan
Thousands Celebrate Release of Jailed Senegal Opposition Leaders
Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Faces Serious Charges
Subscribe to Follow Global Trends for daily global news
Make Money Online Working Remotely
To Advertise, send a mail to advertise@followglobaltrends.com
Find Out How To Make Money As A Full Time Writer/Blogger
Written by Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji