A Nigerian woman risks seven years in prison for posting a negative review about a tomato puree product on Facebook.
A woman named Chioma Okoli from Nigeria is facing serious legal trouble after posting a negative review of a tomato puree product on Facebook.
This incident has raised questions about freedom of speech and the consequences of online opinions.
Nigerian woman posts negative review of tomato puree product
Chioma, 39 years old and pregnant, decided to share her thoughts about Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product from Erisco Foods.
She described the puree as “too sweet” and called it “pure sugar” in her review.
Chioma has a significant following on social media, with over 18,000 followers, which amplifies the impact of her comments.
After her post, Chioma received a backlash from a woman claiming to be related to the CEO of Erisco Foods, Eric Umeofia.
This person accused Chioma of damaging the company’s reputation.
“Stop spoiling my brother’s product. If [you] don’t like it, use another one then bring it to social media or call the customer service,” a strange woman replied to Chioma’s post.
The situation escalated when Chioma replied, suggesting that the CEO should improve the quality of his product.
‘Help me advise your brother to stop ki***ing people with his product, yesterday was my first time using and it’s pure sugar,’ Chioma responded.
Police officers arrested the woman after her Facebook review
Shortly after her comments, Chioma was arrested by plainclothes police officers while she was at church.
“There were no seats, so I stood all through till the next day,” she said. “My legs were inside the water (that came in from the leaking roof).
“Sometimes, I squatted to reduce the pressure on my legs, and I was thinking about my children who were at home.
I was talking to myself. I would think, I would pray, I was messed up,” she said.
She was granted bail after agreeing to apologize to Erisco Foods, but her lawyer claims that this apology was made under duress.
Woman faces 7-year prison after posting online review of tomato puree product on Facebook
Chioma was charged with two serious offenses.
The first charge involves conspiring with others to incite people against Erisco Foods, which could lead to a maximum prison sentence of seven years.
The second charge is for allegedly spreading false information about the company.
This offense could lead to a three-year prison sentence and a fine of seven million naira.
The CEO of Erisco Foods, Eric Umeofia, publicly stated that he would do anything to protect his company’s reputation, which he has built over 40 years.
He expressed his anger at Chioma’s comments and the damage he believes they could cause to his business.
Chioma sued Erisco Foods and the Nigerian police.
In response to the legal actions against her, Chioma has sued both Erisco Foods and the Nigerian police.
Her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, emphasized that the legal proceedings have not considered the safety of Chioma and her family.
He stated: “My client has denied all of the allegations they have leveled against her.
We have also filed a £280,000 lawsuit against the company Erisco, and the Nigerian police.
“That case is still pending in the court in Lagos. The court has also issued a restraining order, restraining the Nigerian police from arresting her.
“In this case, we believe that David is right, and Goliath is wrong.”
The situation has drawn the attention of human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which has called for an end to the harassment and intimidation of Chioma.
“Harassment and intimidation of Chioma Okoli must end now.”