OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The trial of Chioma Okoli, charged with allegations of defaming Erisco Foods Limited through her online commentary about the brand’s tomato paste could not hold again yesterday, Thursday at a Federal High Court, Abuja due to other engagement of the presiding judge.
It was gathered that the matter, although fixed for trial, yesterday 13th of June could not proceed because the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, went on an official assignment.
“Although Justice Lifu sat today, he however rose after taking some cases to attend a conference.” Nan Reports
The trial was subsequently fixed for June 19 on counsel agreement
Recall that Okoli was, on May 31, admitted to N5 million bail with two sureties after spending a few days in a correctional centre following her arraignment on two counts on May 28.
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NAN reports that Okoli is being charged over her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste which the police alleged violated the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
She pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The police had alleged that initial investigations revealed significant evidence suggesting Okoli’s involvement in breaking existing laws, especially concerning the appropriate use of cyberspace.
On September 17, 2023, Okoli shared a Facebook post stating that she purchased Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods, the day before and found it utterly sugary.
She mentioned that she normally buys Gino or Sonia brands, but they were out of stock.
Her post generated reactions and forced the management of the company to involve the police through a petition to the Inspector General of Police.
The controversy also prompted scrutiny of the product’s registration, prompting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to carry out an inspection on the Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix’s registration in 2021.
NAN