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Erisco Foods trial: Police withdraw “evidence” against Chioma Okoli

Published

1 month ago

October 30, 2025

Eric Umeofia, Chioma Okoli

Erisco Foods trial: Police withdraw “evidence” against Chioma Okoli

There was a dramatic twist at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as the Nigeria Police Force failed to present admissible evidence against Mrs. Chioma Edoka Okoli, a Nigerian mother facing cyberstalking charges over her social media review of Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited.

The case, filed in 2023 by the Inspector-General of Police, came up before Justice Peter Lifu, who once again urged both parties to consider an out-of-court settlement in line with Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

Justice Lifu stated that he was “only acting as the conscience of the nation” by encouraging alternative dispute resolution but affirmed readiness to proceed with full hearing if settlement efforts failed.

Police counsel, A. S. Uguwanyi, told the court that it was the defendant’s responsibility to initiate settlement. However, Erisco Foods’ representative, Mr. Nnamdi Nwokolo, who also serves as Personal Assistant on Operations to the company’s CEO, Chief Eric Umeofia, said the company would only consider withdrawing the case if the defendant issued another apology.

Lead defence counsel and human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, countered the position, informing the court that several prominent Nigerians had intervened in efforts to resolve the matter, but Erisco Foods had rejected all peaceful overtures.

Effiong added that the case had persisted because the CEO of Erisco Foods had publicly vowed not to abandon the matter, even declaring on national television that he would rather die than drop the charges.

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Following submissions from both sides, Justice Lifu directed Nwokolo, the first prosecution witness, to take the stand.

In his testimony, Nwokolo said he was alerted in September 2023 to Chioma’s Facebook post, which criticised the sugar content in Nagiko Tomato Mix. He said the post went viral and triggered protests by women’s groups and a nationwide boycott campaign against the company.

He added that Erisco’s Chinese suppliers expressed concern over the backlash, and that the company’s fortunes had suffered irreparable damage.

The prosecution attempted to tender several documents, including the petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Chioma’s Facebook post, emails from Chinese partners, a NAFDAC publication, protest photographs, a demand notice, and a letter of apology allegedly written by the defendant.

Effiong objected, citing Sections 84 and 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011, and argued that the documents were either electronically generated without proper certification or public documents not duly certified. He referenced the case of Kubur v. Dickson (2013) to support his argument.

He further noted that the certificate of compliance submitted by the police lacked relevant details and that the documents were certified by a former prosecutor who did not have custody of the originals. He pointed out that none of the documents bore the seal of the Inspector-General of Police or any police department, and that the prosecutor merely wrote “certified true copy” by hand.

Faced with the objections, the police prosecutor withdrew all the documents and requested an adjournment to reorganise his case. Effiong opposed the request, arguing that no cogent reason had been provided and asked the court to award ₦500,000 in costs for wasting the defence’s time.

Justice Lifu agreed that the prosecution had wasted the court’s time and noted the absence of a substantial reason for adjournment. The police counsel, appearing overwhelmed, opted to close the evidence-in-chief of the first witness without tendering any document.

Effiong did not object and expressed readiness to proceed with cross-examination.

Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to January 21 and 22, 2026, for cross-examination and directed the police to ensure the presence of their remaining witnesses on the scheduled dates.

Erisco Foods trial: Police withdraw “evidence” against Chioma Okoli

Related Topics:cyberstalking Erisco Foods evidence

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

10 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

10 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

10 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.