Chioma Okoli Faces Up to 7 Years in Prison for a Negative Review of a Tomato Puree

Lagos Entrepreneur Accused of Defamation

WEB A 39-year-old Lagos entrepreneur named Chioma Okoli is facing criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit for allegedly defaming a tomato puree company. The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Okoli in prison after she was arraigned for alleged defamation against Erisco Foods.

Alleged Defamation via Social Media

According to prosecutors, Okoli made defamatory statements about Erisco Foods on Facebook. She allegedly claimed that the company's tomato puree contained harmful ingredients and was unfit for consumption. Erisco Foods has denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Okoli seeking damages of N100 million.

Public Outcry and Calls for Boycott

Okoli's arrest and subsequent prosecution have sparked public outcry. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their support for Okoli, arguing that she was simply exercising her right to free speech. Some have also called for a boycott of Erisco Foods products in protest of the company's actions.