On Friday, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted Chioma Okoli N5 million in bail following allegations related to her online comments about Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste product.
The court also held that Okoli would provide two sureties, each of which would pay the same amount.
News About Nigeria reports that Okoli is facing charges over her online remarks about Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste.
According to the police, her statement about the tomato paste of the company contravened the Cybercrime Act of 2015.
Okoli, who is facing a two-count charge of cybercrime, was brought before the court today by the Inspector-General of Police.
During the hearing of the case, Okoli pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Delivering judgement on the bail application filed by Okoli’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, the presiding judge, Peter Lifu, held that according to Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it would be unfair to deny Okoli bail.
Giving details on the terms of her bail, Lifu ruled that one of the sureties must be her spouse or relative and must be a resident of Abuja.
The judge further warned that Okoli must not travel outside the country within this period and must deposit her international passport with the court.
He adjourned the case to June 13, 2024, for further hearings.
Recall that the issue started on September 17, 2023, when Okoli made a post on her Facebook concerning Nagiko Tomato Mix, one of the tomato paste variants of Erisco Foods.
In the post, Okoli posited that she had found the paste sugary and unhealthy for consumption.
In response to her claim, Erisco Foods Limited described it as untrue and unfounded.
The company further noted that the post was made with the intent of misleading its customers and discrediting the image of Erisco Foods Limited.
The company then arrested and dragged Okoli to court for cyberstalking.
