Legal Chaos Unfolds: Erisco Woman Rearrested Despite Court Order, Lawyer Raises Alarms

In a startling turn of events, Mrs. Chioma Edoka Okoli, a female customer who previously provided a review of a tomato paste brand manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited, has once again found herself in custody, defying court orders. This recent arrest, which occurred around 7:00 am on Tuesday, adds a perplexing layer to an already complex legal battle.

Human Rights Lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who serves as Mrs. Okoli’s counsel, shared the disconcerting update in a detailed post on X. Effiong revealed that a contingent of police officers from Abuja, allegedly acting on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to re-arrest Chioma Okoli, failed to produce a court order justifying their actions.

The operation, backed by officers from the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, unfolded as the initial team, confronted with demands to present the court order, called for reinforcements and attempted to enter Mrs. Okoli’s residence, where she resides with her infant.

This latest arrest is intricately connected to the ongoing legal dispute between Mrs. Okoli and the police, instigated by Erisco Foods Limited and its founder, Chief Eric Umeofia. The police’s covert filing of charges against Mrs. Okoli at the Federal High Court in Abuja, rather than in Lagos where the case originated, has further complicated the matter.

Upon discovering this plot through a tip-off, Mrs. Okoli’s legal counsel, Effiong, noted that the police counsel informed the court on December 7, 2023, that they were unable to serve Mrs. Okoli with the charge—a claim contested by her legal team. Subsequently, the police sought an adjournment to file a motion allowing them to serve Mrs. Okoli through substituted means, with the case scheduled for hearing on January 10, 2024.

In a series of tweets, Effiong expressed his frustration, questioning the legality of the police’s actions and highlighting the disregard for a court order. He emphasized the need for the Inspector General of Police to adhere to the rule of law and allow the court to handle the case in line with due process.

The saga began in September 2023 when Mrs. Chioma Okoli faced arrest after posting a now-deleted Facebook review criticizing Erisco tomato paste for having ‘too much sugar.’ Infostride News previously reported the incident, which sparked a chain of events involving Erisco Foods Ltd., the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Erisco Foods vehemently refuted Mrs. Okoli’s claims, expressing its commitment to defending its reputation against what it deemed malicious attacks. The FCCPC, led by former CEO Babatunde Irukera, intervened, seeking clarification on the arrest and activating regulatory processes.

Settlement discussions were mentioned by Erisco Food Founder Eric Umeofia, but he disputed the FCCPC’s involvement in Mrs. Okoli’s release, attributing it to her uncle’s facilitation. The controversy also prompted scrutiny of the product’s registration, leading NAFDAC to confirm Eriscofoods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix’s registration in 2021.

In response to Mrs. Okoli’s critical content, Erisco Foods announced plans to sue her for N5 billion, citing harm to their reputation due to her failure to issue a public apology. Mrs. Okoli’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, asserted their readiness to counter-sue, claiming the apology was signed under duress. Effiong announced their intent to file a lawsuit against Erisco Foods for violating fundamental human rights and defaming Mrs. Okoli’s character during an Arise TV interview.

As the legal drama unfolds, the public remains gripped by the twists and turns in this complex case, raising questions about freedom of expression, corporate responsibility, and the rule of law in Nigeria. Infostride News will continue to closely monitor and report on developments in this ongoing saga.