Outcry Over Treatment of Mrs. Chioma Okoli
Outcry Over Treatment of Mrs. Chioma Okoli : In January, it was reported that police officers, purportedly
acting on the orders of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, raided the residence of Okoli in Lagos State.
This incident led to public outrage, with Nigerian social media users threatening to boycott Erisco
Foods products due to the alleged mistreatment of Mrs. Chioma Okoli, a customer who faced arrest
after posting a negative review of the company’s tomato product. The Nigerian police later summoned Chioma Okoli to address the matter, urging her to participate in the legal process involving her and Erisco Foods Limited.
The police’s actions came under scrutiny, particularly after it was revealed that Chioma Okoli had received donations totaling N1.9 million from concerned Nigerians to cover her legal expenses. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement reaffirming the police’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in the Erisco Tomato matter. He cautioned against spreading misinformation and emphasized the importance of adhering to legal processes.
The court
However, concerns arose when it was discovered that Chioma Okoli had not been officially served by the police. Her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, provided evidence of this during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Effiong criticized the police’s handling of the case, highlighting discrepancies in their statements and actions.
Amidst the controversy, social media users expressed solidarity with Chioma Okoli and condemned the perceived injustice. Many called for a boycott of Erisco Foods products until the company addressed the situation and offered an apology to Okoli. The outcry on social media underscored the public’s demand for accountability and fair treatment.