Erisco Foods Limited, a leading manufacturer of tomato paste in Nigeria, has been embroiled in a legal controversy with a Facebook user, Chioma Okoli, who posted a negative review of its product, Nagiko Tomato Mix, on her social media page.
The review, which claimed that the product tasted sugary, sparked a series of reactions from other users, some of whom supported Okoli’s opinion, while others defended Erisco Foods. The company, however, did not take the review lightly and initiated a N5 billion lawsuit against Okoli, accusing her of defamation, cybercrime, and conspiracy.
The company also alleged that Okoli was part of a syndicate that was faking its products and trying to extort money from it. Okoli was subsequently arrested by the police and arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case has generated a lot of public interest and outrage, as many Nigerians have expressed their views on the matter, some calling for a boycott of Erisco Foods’ products, while others urging Okoli to apologize to the company.
In this article, we will provide some background information on the saga, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about it.
What is Erisco Foods Limited?
Erisco Foods Limited is a Nigerian company that produces tomato paste, seasonings, beverages, and other food products. The company was founded in 2004 by Eric Umeofia, a businessman and philanthropist. The company claims to be the largest indigenous manufacturer of tomato paste in Africa, with a production capacity of 450,000 metric tons per annum. The company also exports its products to several countries, including Ghana, Benin, Togo, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The company has won several awards and recognitions, including the National Productivity Order of Merit Award, the African Quality Achievement Award, and the Nigerian Industrial Standards Award.
What is Nagiko Tomato Mix?
Nagiko Tomato Mix is one of the products of Erisco Foods Limited. It is a tomato paste that is packaged in a tin and sold in various sizes. The product claims to be made from fresh tomatoes, with no added sugar, salt, or preservatives. The product also claims to have the full regulatory approval of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
What did Chioma Okoli say about Nagiko Tomato Mix?
Chioma Okoli is a Facebook user who posted a review of Nagiko Tomato Mix on her page on September 17, 2023. In her post, she wrote:
I went to buy tin tomatoes yesterday that I will use to make stew. I didn’t see Gino and Sonia. So, I decided to buy this one. When I opened it, I decided to taste it. Omo! Sugar was just too much. Ha, biko, let me know if you have used this tin tomato before because this is an Ike gwuru situation.
The post, which was accompanied by a picture of the product, attracted over 3,900 comments from other users, some of whom agreed with her observation, while others disagreed. Some users also shared their own experiences with the product, either positive or negative.
How did Erisco Foods Limited react to Chioma Okoli’s review?
Erisco Foods Limited was not pleased with Chioma Okoli’s review and considered it as a malicious attack on its reputation. The company issued a statement on September 19, 2023, denying that its product contained sugar and stating that the review was intended to mislead its customers and discredit its image. The company also alleged that the review was instigated by some elements and syndicates who were uncomfortable with its increasing market dominance and who were faking its products after failing to extort money from it. The company further stated that it had brought the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities and that it would take all necessary actions to protect its reputation.
What legal actions did Erisco Foods Limited take against Chioma Okoli?
Erisco Foods Limited filed a N5 billion lawsuit against Chioma Okoli at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking damages for defamation, injurious falsehood, and malicious publication. The company also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter and to charge Okoli with cybercrime and conspiracy. Okoli was subsequently arrested by the police and arraigned before the court on February 29, 2024. She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail.
What are the reactions of Nigerians to the Erisco Foods Review Saga?
The Erisco Foods Review Saga has generated a lot of reactions from Nigerians on social media and other platforms. Many Nigerians have expressed their opinions on the matter, some supporting Okoli’s right to review a product as a consumer, while others supporting Erisco Foods’ right to defend its reputation as a producer. Some Nigerians have also called for a boycott of Erisco Foods’ products, while others have urged Okoli to apologize to the company.
