Women’s Coalition Demands Justice for Detained Chioma Okoli

A coalition of over 300 women’s organizations, operating under the name Womanifesto, has called for justice in the ongoing detention of Chioma Okoli. Okoli, who reviewed a tomato paste, has been detained following a complaint by Erisco Foods CEO Eric Omeofia in 2023.

Omeofia claims that Chioma’s negative review, which criticized the Nagiko Tomato Mix for containing too much sugar, has harmed his business.

In a statement signed by Ireti Bakare-Yusuf on behalf of the coalition, the group urged government intervention on Chioma’s behalf, highlighting the severe stress and trauma she has suffered since her detention began in September 2023.

“The unbearable stress and trauma inflicted on Chioma Okoli since September 2023 have led to the loss of her pregnancy, earnings, and livelihood, as she has been unable to work and provide for her family due to ongoing persecution and psychological harassment,” the statement said.

The coalition also emphasized the serious risk to Chioma’s life and the clear violation of her human rights. “Chioma has been subjected to ongoing litigation for exercising her freedom of speech and expression, including the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference, as guaranteed under section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution,” the statement read.

The coalition argued that consumers should be able to voice their opinions about products purchased with their hard-earned money without facing severe repercussions.