Nigerian influencer faces jail after offensive online review of canned tomato puree

Chioma Okoli asked her subscribers what they thought of Nagiko tomato mix

Pregnant Nigerian businesswoman faces up to seven years in prison In custody, she shared a negative review of a can of tomato puree.

Chioma Okali, 39, was arrested and held in a police cell after she told her 18,000 Facebook followers that Nagiko's tomato mix contained too much sugar .< /p>

The brand's manufacturer, Erisco Foods Limited, accused her of saying it was «maliciously killing the product and driving us out of the market.»

A mother of three, who imports children's clothing, is now facing criminal prosecution and prosecution in civil court on allegations that she violated the country's cybercrime laws.

On September 17, Ms Okolie shared a photo of an open tomato puree saying it was too sweet and asking her followers' opinions on the product.

One user advised her to «stop ruining my brother's product», to which she replied, saying it was “pure sugar.” «

A week later, she was arrested by undercover police while she was attending a church service.

Chioma Okoli runs a business importing children's clothing

Describing the police station, she told CNN: “There were no seats, so I stood there until the next day… I thought about my children who were at home. I was talking to myself. I thought, I prayed, I was confused.”

She also alleged that police tried to arrest her at her home in January despite a court-issued restraining order prohibiting her from being detained without a court order.

Earlier this month, Nigerian police said they had «found compelling evidence» that they had broken laws regarding the «appropriate use of cyberspace.»

Mr Okoli was reportedly charged with «inciting Ericsco Foods.» Limited, knowing that the said information is false in accordance with Section 24 (1) (B) of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act of Nigeria.»

If found guilty, she could face up to three years' imprisonment or a fine of £4,000.

She was also charged with conspiracy «to incite the people against Erisco Foods Limited» under another section of the same law. It carries a possible prison sentence of up to seven years.

Ms Okoli is also being sued in a separate £2.8 million civil case brought by Erisco.

Nnamdi Nwokolo, spokesman The company said it would not comment on the ongoing case.

Eric Umeofia, founder of Erisco, previously told Arise Television that he would “rather die than allow anyone to tarnish my image, which I have worked 40 years to build.” .