The trial of Chioma Okoli, charged over her online commentary regarding Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste, faced a delay at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday. The proceedings could not proceed as scheduled because the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, was absent due to an official assignment.
According to reports, Justice Lifu attended to some cases earlier in the day but left for a conference afterward. Consequently, the trial was adjourned to June 19, following an agreement between the counsels involved.
Chioma Okoli was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties on May 31, after spending a brief period in a correctional center subsequent to her arraignment on May 28. She faces charges under the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 for her alleged online commentary that criticized Erisco Foods’ tomato paste.
In her defense, Okoli pleaded not guilty to the charges. The police claim that their investigations revealed evidence suggesting Okoli violated existing laws governing the use of cyberspace. Her social media post from September 17, 2023, which criticized the sweetness of Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods, sparked reactions and led to involvement by the company’s management and subsequent police action.
The controversy also prompted scrutiny of the product’s registration by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in 2021.
As the trial awaits further proceedings on June 19, Okoli remains at the center of a legal debate concerning freedom of expression and the boundaries of online commentary under Nigerian law.