Chioma Okoli, a businesswoman from Nigeria's Lagos, is facing up to seven years behind bars for writing a critical review of a can of tomato puree after its maker accused her of damaging its business, media reported.
On September 17, 2023, she asked her 18,000 Facebook* followers to share their opinions on Nigerian food manufacturer Erisco Foods' Nagiko Tomato Mix after sharing a photo of an open can of the product, saying it was too sweet.
One commenter reportedly said: "Stop spoiling my brother's product. If [you] don't like it, use another one than bring it to social media, or call the customer service." Okoli responded: "Help me advise your brother to stop ki**ing people with his product; yesterday was my first time of using and it's pure sugar."
In response, Erisco Foods filed a 5 billion naira ($3.7 million) lawsuit against Okoli, arguing that it was primarily motivated by the need to protect the company's brand and reputation.
"Chioma's retaliatory remarks about our product, 'Nagiko Tomato Mix,' resulted in several suppliers deciding to disassociate themselves from us. Additionally, the company suffered the loss of multiple credit lines," the company argued.
On September 24, 2023, the businesswoman was arrested. She was accused of conspiring with two other individuals with "the intention of instigating people against Ericso Foods Limited," which could land her behind bars for up to seven years.
The entrepreneur was also accused of "instigating Erisco Foods Limited, knowing the said information to be false," which, according to the indictment, is punishable under Section 27(1)(B) of the Nigerian Cybercrime Prohibition Act.
Chioma Okoli has filed her own lawsuit against the Nigerian police and Erisco Foods, seeking damages of 500 million naira ($361,171).
She is reportedly scheduled to appear in court on April 18 for arraignment.
*Meta and its products Facebook and Instagram banned in Russia for extremist activities.