Chioma Okoli Files No-Case Submission in Erisco Trial

Chioma Okoli, a food critic, filed a no-case submission in the trial concerning her comments about Erisco Food Limited's tomato paste. The prosecution, led by Adam Ugwuanyi, concluded its case after calling two witnesses.

Okoli's counsel, Inibeh Effiong, argued that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence for the defense to enter. Justice Peter Lifu subsequently adjourned the matter until March 31, 2024, allowing time for the adoption of written addresses.

During the proceedings, Inspector Joel Nimfa from the police's monitoring unit testified about the investigation against Okoli, which included allegations of substandard products. Okoli was granted bail of N5 million with two sureties and is required to appear in court again on May 31, 2024.

The case has drawn regulatory scrutiny from NAFDAC, which inspected the product's registration. Justice Lifu encouraged the parties to consider a court settlement, which was declined by the manufacturers' association.