The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria has granted bail to Chioma Okoli, who has been detained since 2023 for her alleged negative review of a tomato paste. Justice Peter Lifu ruled on Friday that Okoli be released on bail of N5 million, with two sureties of similar sum.
One surety must be her spouse or a blood relative residing within the court’s jurisdiction and having a verified source of income. The sureties must submit their passport photographs, and Okoli must surrender her international passport and not leave the country without permission.
Okoli had been remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State after pleading not guilty to conspiracy and cyberstalking charges filed by the Inspector General of Police. The prosecution alleged that in September 2023, Okoli conspired with two others to publish false information on Facebook, intending to harm Erisco Foods Limited.
Her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, sought her release on bail, highlighting her suffering, including a miscarriage. The police lawyer opposed the bail. The case, which has sparked public outcry, is adjourned to June 13 for hearing.
