Chioma Gets Bail As 300 Women Groups Press For Revenge With Boycott Erisco Campaign

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Chioma Okoli a N5 million bail with two sureties of the same amount, following her arrest and arraignment by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations related to her online comments about Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste product.

Okoli, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of cybercrime, is facing charges under the Cybercrime Act of 2015 for her online remarks about the company’s product. The police allege that her comments contravened the Act, leading to her arrest and subsequent arraignment before the court.

In his ruling, the presiding judge granted Okoli bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties of the same amount.

The case has sparked concerns about freedom of expression and the limits of online speech in Nigeria. Okoli’s arrest and arraignment have been widely condemned by human rights activists and online users, who see it as an attempt to muzzle dissenting voices and stifle online discussion.

It remains to be seen how the case will unfold. Meanwhile, Okoli’s release on bail has been welcomed by her supporters, who see it as reprieve from an unjust detention.

GWG.ng reports that the release of Chioma Okoli on bail is coming with increasing campaign by women groups and others seeking to boycott Erisco products.

Womanifesto in a statement by the Executive Director of Women Advocates and Research Documentation Centre (WARDC), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi and other signatories on behalf of the over 300 women organizations also called on the government to come to the aid of Chioma as its silence is deafening and “loudly telling us that we the consumers cannot voice our opinions about goods we purchase with our hard earned money.’

Other signatories included Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Women Aid Collective (WACOL), ActionAid Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Christian Women in Nigerian Politics, Christian Association of Nigeria, Women’s Wing (WOWICAN), 100 Women Lobby Group (100WLG), Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Women In Politics Forum (WiPF), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NTWF) and Nasrul – Lahi-L- Faith Society (NASFAT).

The statement titled, “Womanifesto Demands Release of Chioma Okoli”, reads: “We call on all Nigerian women to join us to #BoycottErisco products with immediate effect, for the following reasons:

“The continued harassment & detention of Chioma Okoli. The insufferable stress and trauma that has been inflicted on Chioma Okoli since September 2023 to date, which has also led to the loss of her pregnancy.

“Loss of earnings and livelihood due to her inability to work and provide for her family as a direct consequence of the ongoing persecution and psychological molestation.

“The apparent risk and threat to her life and flagrant abuse of her human rights.

“For being subjected to constant litigation for exercising her freedom of speech and expression, including freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information without interference as granted to her under section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution.

“We are concerned about her ability to get justice in a country with a reputation for compromised justice.

“We salute Chioma’s continued courage, bravery and tenacity in the face of intimidation and threats. We will continue to support her quest for justice.

“It is worthy to note that in other countries where the health and nutritional well-being of the citizens are paramount, relevant government agencies would be at the forefront of the investigations into all Erisco products and the corresponding labels, instead of leaving this landmark issue in the hands of those who prioritise profit to the lives and general well-being of 200 million Nigerians.

“We call on the government to come to the aid of Chioma as your silence is deafening; loudly telling us that we the consumers cannot voice our opinions about goods we purchase with our hard earned money. Is it silence or suffer?

Like it or be locked up? Purchase tomato paste, next stop prison. #ReleaseChiomanow!”

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