Federal High Court Grants ₦5 Million Bail to Chioma Okoli Over Online Commentary on Erisco Foods

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Chioma Okoli ₦5 million bail with two sureties in like sum, following charges related to her online comments about Erisco Foods Limited's tomato paste. Justice Peter Lifu ruled in favor of the defendant's lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, affirming that the charges were bailable.

Justice Lifu emphasized that under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, Okoli is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Denying her bail would be an improper use of judicial discretion, amounting to a pre-trial judgment. The judge also considered Okoli's health status in his decision.

As part of the bail conditions, one surety must be a spouse or blood relative with a verified income and residence within the court's jurisdiction. Both sureties are required to submit passport photographs. Okoli must also deposit her international passport, if she has one.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 13.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Okoli is charged with cybercrime violations related to her online commentary on Erisco Foods' tomato paste. She was arraigned before Justice Lifu on a two-count charge by the Inspector-General of Police and pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution counsel Abdulrashid Sidi opposed the bail application, citing concerns that Okoli might flee, given her previous non-compliance with bail terms. However, the court ruled in favor of granting bail.

The charges stem from a Facebook post Okoli made on September 17, 2023, where she criticized Erisco Foods' Nagiko Tomato Mix for being excessively sugary. This post prompted a police investigation after Erisco Foods petitioned the Inspector-General. The controversy led the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to review the product's registration from 2021.