In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Mrs Chioma Okoli in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum. This decision follows allegations about her online commentary regarding Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste.

Justice Peter Lifu, presiding over the case, ruled in favour of the defendant’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, asserting that Okoli’s offence is bailable. Emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, as enshrined in the constitution, the judge deemed the denial of bail improper and potentially prejudicial.

Moreover, considering Okoli’s health status, Justice Lifu deemed it appropriate to grant her bail, specifying that one of the sureties must be either her spouse or a blood relative with a stable source of income and residing within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the judge ordered the sureties to deposit a passport photograph each and directed Okoli to surrender her international passport if applicable.

The court has adjourned the matter until June 13 for further proceedings.

Okoli faces charges under the Cybercrime Act, 2015, over her online commentary concerning Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste. The police allege that her actions violated cybercrime laws.

The controversy arose after Okoli shared a Facebook post on September 17, 2023, expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of Nagiko Tomato Mix purchased from Erisco Foods. The post garnered attention, leading to scrutiny of the product’s registration by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, Okoli’s bail application faced opposition from the prosecution, citing concerns about her previous conduct while on administrative bail.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this case underscores online commentary’s complexities and potential legal ramifications, highlighting the importance of responsible engagement in cyberspace.