A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, adjourned the trial of Chioma Okoli, charged with allegations bordering on her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste, until September 26.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter following a letter by the defence lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, informing the court that he would not be able to attend the proceeding.
Counsel for the prosecution, Adam Sani, who acknowledged Effiong’s apology, did not oppose the application and the judge adjourned the matter until September 26.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the court had, on June 13, adjourned the case until Wednesday because the trial judge went on an official assignment.
NAN reports that Okoli was, on May 31, admitted to N5 million bail with two sureties after spending a few days in a correctional centre following her arraignment on two counts on May 28.
Okoli is being charged over her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste which the police alleged violated the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
She pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The police had alleged that initial investigations revealed significant evidence suggesting Okoli’s involvement in breaking existing laws, especially concerning the appropriate use of cyberspace.
On September 17, 2023, Okoli shared a Facebook post stating that she purchased Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods, the day before and found it utterly sugary.
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She mentioned that she normally buys Gino or Sonia brands, but they were out of stock.
Her post generated reactions and forced the management of the company to involve the police through a petition to the I-G.
The controversy also prompted scrutiny of the product’s registration, prompting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to carry out an inspection on the Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix’s registration in 2021.
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