Abuja: Mrs Chioma Okoli, a food critic, has opted for a no-case submission in relation to allegations concerning her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste. This development occurred on Thursday in the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Okoli, represented by her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, addressed Justice Peter Lifu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the prosecution counsel, Adam Ugwuanyi, concluded their case after presenting two witnesses. Effiong argued that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify Okoli having to present a defense. Consequently, Justice Lifu adjourned the case for the adoption of written addresses in the no-case submission, scheduling it for March 31.
The defense lawyer had previously cross-examined the second prosecution witness, SP Joel Nimfa, from the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit. Under questioning, Nimfa confirmed that he had led the investigation into the matter, which led to Okoli’s arrest in Lagos. Despite the allegations, Nimfa admitted that no evidence was found showing that Okoli faked Erisco products or demanded money from the company.
Mrs Okoli, who was arraigned on May 28 and subsequently released on bail on May 31, is charged with violating the Cybercrime Act, 2015, through her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The controversy began after Okoli posted on Facebook on September 17, 2023, sharing her experience of finding Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix overly sugary. Her post, which mentioned her preference for other brands, drew considerable attention and led Erisco Foods to involve the police through a petition. The incident also prompted an inspection by NAFDAC of the product’s registration, which had been carried out in 2021.