In a dramatic development at the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 29th, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force withdrew all their evidential documents against Mrs. Chioma Edoka Okoli, who faces cyberstalking charges for her critical Facebook review of Erisco Foods Limited’s Nagiko Tomato Mix. The trial, initiated in 2023, saw a fierce objection from Okoli’s lead defense lawyer, human rights advocate Inibehe Effiong, who challenged the admissibility of the prosecution’s evidence, citing clear breaches of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Justice Peter Lifu presided over the session, urging the parties towards an out-of-court settlement under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, emphasizing his role as the conscience of the nation. While the police counsel argued it was Chioma’s responsibility to initiate settlement talks, Erisco Foods’ representative maintained that the case would only be withdrawn if Chioma issued a further apology. Effiong refuted this stance, asserting that multiple prominent Nigerians had already sought to mediate, but the company persisted in litigation.Upon commencement, Erisco Foods’ first witness, Mr. Nnamdi Nwokolo, testified that Chioma’s September 2023 social media post about the sugar content in the product had gone viral, leading to protests by women’s groups and a nationwide boycott. The company claimed drastic and irreparable financial harm, including concerns raised by their Chinese suppliers.
The prosecution attempted to tender several documents including social media posts, petitions, emails, and photographs, but Effiong successfully objected to their admissibility for lacking proper certification and foundational witness testimony, citing case law and statutory provisions. Without overcoming these objections, the police withdrew all documents and sought an adjournment, which Effiong opposed, demanding costs for the wasted time. Justice Lifu agreed with the defense, ordering the police to proceed without delay and adjourned the matter for cross-examination of the prosecution witness in January 2026.
This trial highlights a critical confrontation over consumer rights, freedom of expression, and evidential standards in Nigerian courts, with significant public interest given Chioma’s role as a mother and entrepreneur confronting a corporate giant. The ongoing case continues to evoke debates on the appropriate balance between corporate reputation protection and individual rights in the digital age.
