A cross-section of concerned Nigerians has called for the local and international boycott of all products from Erisco Foods over the alleged continuous “witch hunting” and prosecution of Chioma Okoli by Chief Eric Umeofia, the founder of Erisco Foods Limited.
Erisco customer Mrs. Chioma Okoli, who gave a review of the tomato paste brand, was re-arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, despite court orders.
Okoli was arrested around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
She was previously arrested and detained in September 2023 over her review of a tomato product manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited.
Chioma Okoli, on September 17, 2023, made a post on her Facebook page, highlighting the high sugar content in the tomato mix and inviting her followers who might have used the same product to share their opinions. Her post reads:
“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 (Nagiko). When I opened it, Omo! I decided to taste it. Sugar is just too much. Haa biko (please) let me know if you have used this tin tomato before because this is like gwuru (tiring) situation.”
A review that has since led to her incarceration has caused an uproar among Nigerians.
Reacting to Chioma’s situation, Lara Miles on X stated that “Erisco Fiasco highlights the negative mentality of top personalities and brands in Nigeria.
“We just hate criticism as a people. Criticize a big person, and you get labeled “enemy of progress” or “bad belle. It’s why we never grow.”
In his reaction, Obehiegu Akhide argued that “Eriscoe Foods’ CEO is simply bullish and needs to understand that acts like this do not stand.
“Chioma has done nothing wrong. He can make claims about others, but others can’t make claims about him or his products.
“Why do I need a NAFDAC report to confirm my review of a product that I consume? Nigeria Police, Una useless die.”
Edu Ojoi noted that following Chioma’s arrest, his family had boycotted all Erisco Foods products.
“We have already boycotted it right from day one in our house. The MD arrested her. I no longer buy it as a gift to people I do give in every celebrating season. My supplier kept begging.”
While George Inimfoh urged Nigerians to “give me a list of their products; even if it’s that which I had at home, I’m going to pour it and burn the container,” Nzubechi on X stated that “I have boycotted them since last year.”
He added that he “can’t patronize an abuser.”
Another X user, Edidiong Otton, said, “I already told my wife she shouldn’t buy any of their company products.”
Calling the CEO of Erisco Foods “an evil man,” Jasper Izuchukwu stated, “as for me and my family, we are done with Erisco products.”
Another Nigerian identified as Obrian the Great argued that “the fact I know about Erisco foods from this debacle shows the product is not for me.
“How the man is addressing the issue seems to indicate he has no case against her. Intimidating her is all he has done since. A lawless country indeed.”
For Mez Unic Nwapa, she noted that “Seeing the owner on TV swear that he would rather die than not see the lady go to prison is a low moment for me and a very bad PR for the company.”
