Chioma Okoli, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos, says she had no malicious intent when she posted the message. The woman, an importer of children’s clothing, asked her 18,000 followers for their opinion about Nagiko Tomato Mix, a canned tomato paste produced by a local company. She personally thinks the tomato puree is much too sweet and called on the producer to stop making people sick.
Her post, accompanied by a photo of an opened can of Nagiko Tomato Mix, sparked mixed reactions. Some thought she was right. Others replied: “If you don’t like it, buy another brand and contact customer service.”
The message certainly went down the wrong way with the management of Erisco Foods. They promptly filed a complaint. According to Erisco, sales have collapsed. The court in the West African country, which is known worldwide for internet crime, started an investigation for, among other things, “violating cybercrime laws”. (Read more below the post)
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Pregnant
Okoli, who is currently pregnant with her fourth child, was arrested by the police while she was in a church in Lagos. She was locked up in a dirty, damp cell for a while, she claims. The next day, Okoli was flown to Abuja and held at a police station until she could obtain bail.
But that doesn’t end the matter. She will have to answer before a civil court. And if she is found guilty, she risks up to three years in prison and having to pay compensation of almost 5,000 euros. In the meantime, Okoli herself has filed a lawsuit against both the tomato puree manufacturer and the police, demanding damages of around 350,000 euros. Her lawyer complains, among other things, about violation of her constitutional right to freedom of expression.
In the meantime, Okoli herself has filed a lawsuit against both the tomato puree manufacturer and the police, demanding damages of approximately 350,000 euros.
Amnesty International
In the meantime, even Amnesty International is getting involved in the file. “The harassment of Okoli must end now,” Amnesty International Nigeria said earlier this month, as Nigerians started crowdfunding online to cover her legal costs.
Okoli’s case has also sparked protests at Erisco’s Lagos facility, as many on social media called for a boycott of their products. However, the company’s founder, Eric Umeofia, refused to budge. “I would rather die than allow anyone to tarnish my image and the image of my company,” he says.
Tags: Woman risks jail time heavy damages online criticism canned tomato paste sweet
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