A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Chioma Okoli to be remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre over a Facebook review of Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato products.
Arraigned on May 28, 2024, before Justice Peter Lifu, Okoli pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and cyberstalking charges. She will remain in custody until her bail hearing on May 31, 2024.
Inibehe Effiong, a human rights attorney who was Okoli’s representative, disclosed that she miscarried during the case. Eric Omeofia, the CEO of Erisco Foods, stated that a 2023 bad evaluation by Okoli had a detrimental effect on his company. When Okoli was taken into custody in September 2023, her attorney claimed that Omeofia and the police had violated her rights.
The counts read, “That you Chioma Edoka Okoli also known as Chioma Egodi Jnr, Happiness Obas now at large And Don Kashking now at large ‘m’ of on or about sometime in the month of September 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired among yourself and intentionally sent a message by means of computer and social media network such as Facebook, by using your Facebook handle by name Chioma Egodi Jnr, with the intention of instigating people against Erisco Foods Limited, knowing the said information to be false and with intent to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to Erisco Foods Limited, the management, and members of the family, thereby committed an offense contrary and punishable under Section 27 (1) (B) Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.
“That you Chioma Edoka Okoli also known as Chioma Egodi Jnr, Happiness Obas now at large and Don Kashking now at large ‘m’ of on or about sometime in the month of September, 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court intentionally send a message by means of computer and social media network such as Facebook, by using your Facebook handle by name Chioma Egodi Jnr, with the intention of instigating Erisco Foods Limited, knowing the said information to be false and with intent to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to Erisco Foods Limited, the management, and members of the family, and thereby committed an offense contrary and punishable under Section 24 (1) (B) Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.”
Okoli’s story serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship that exists in the internet era between legal accountability and freedom of speech while she waits for her bail hearing. Social media has given people more freedom to express themselves and demand accountability from organizations and businesses, but it has also brought up complex legal concerns that need serious thought and discussion. Going forward, Nigeria’s legal system must strike a careful balance between defending against internet platform abuse and preserving the right to free speech. To promote responsible online activity, this may entail making current laws more understandable, strengthening judicial control, and encouraging digital literacy among the populace.
Meanwhile, Chioma Okoli’s case serves as a sad reminder of how important it is to continue to defend fundamental freedoms and rights in both online and real spaces. It is a call to action for all parties involved to protect democracy and justice in the digital age, from legislators and legal experts to civil society and the broader public. We can only protect the rights and dignity of every member of our society by working together and exercising vigilante awareness.
