SPOTLIGHTS

• Chioma Okoli’s trial for alleged cybercrime related to a Facebook post about Erisco Foods Limited tomato paste has been adjourned to June 19th
• Okoli was granted N5 million bail with strict conditions, including providing sureties and surrendering her passport
• The prosecution claims to have evidence of Okoli’s involvement in illegal online activity

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The Federal High Court has adjourned the trial of Mrs Chioma Okoli to June 19th. Mrs Okoli was arraigned by the Inspector General of Police on a two-count charge connected to her online commentary about Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste. The police allege her commentary violates the Cybercrime Act of 2015.

The adjournment was due to the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, attending a judicial conference.

The case was scheduled to commence trial after Mrs Okoli, who pleaded not guilty, was granted N5 million bail by the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

Although the defendant, her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, and the prosecution counsel, Abdulrashid Sidi, were present and prepared to proceed, a court official announced the judge’s unavailability. Consequently, parties were asked to select a new trial date.

Read more:  Ericso Foods: Absence of judge stalls Chioma Okoli on defamation charge

Bail conditions

Justice Peter Lifu, in his ruling last Friday, ordered that the defendant must provide two sureties for the bail sum, one of whom must be her spouse or a blood relative. Additionally, the sureties must reside in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and demonstrate proven means of livelihood. The court also mandated Mrs Okoli to surrender her international passport, if she possesses one. Justice Lifu directed the court registrar to verify the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

Judge’s justification for granting bail

In his ruling, Justice Lifu stated that he was bound by the presented materials to exercise the court’s discretion in favour of the defendant. Citing Section 35 (6) of the 1999 Constitution, the judge affirmed bail as a constitutional right for defendants, considering Sections 162 (1), 165, and 168 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

He asserted that, after reviewing the defendant’s application, denying bail would constitute a pre-trial judgement and judicial recklessness.

Okoli remanded

Mrs Okoli was transported to court from the Suleja Correctional Centre, where she had been remanded since Tuesday.

Police allegations

The police allege that preliminary investigations reveal significant evidence suggesting Mrs Chioma’s involvement in breaking existing laws, particularly concerning cyberspace usage.

On September 17, 2023, Egodi shared a Facebook post stating she had purchased Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods the day before and found it excessively sweet. She mentioned that she usually buys Gino or Sonia brands, but they were unavailable.

Her post sparked reactions and prompted the company’s management to involve the police through a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The controversy also led to scrutiny of the product’s registration, resulting in the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirming Eriscofoods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix’s registration in 2021.

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