A coalition of over 300 women’s rights organizations, known as Womanifesto, has demanded the immediate release of Chioma Okoli, who has been detained since September 2023.
Okoli was accused of defamation by Erisco Foods Limited after she critiqued one of their products on Facebook.
In a statement signed by various groups, including the Women Advocates and Research Documentation Centre, Purple Woman Foundation, and ActionAid Nigeria, the coalition condemned Okoli’s continued detention.
They highlighted that her detention has led to her losing her pregnancy and her livelihood.
The group criticized Erisco Foods for prioritizing profits over the health and well-being of Nigerians.
They called on the government to investigate the company’s products and labels. The coalition also demanded justice for Okoli and an end to the harassment and intimidation of women who speak out against injustice.
The statement titled, “Womanifesto Demands Release of Chioma Okoli”, reads: “We call on all Nigerian women to join us to #BoycottErisco products with immediate effect, for the following reasons:
“The continued harassment & detention of Chioma Okoli. The insufferable stress and trauma that has been inflicted on Chioma Okoli since September 2023 to date, which has also led to the loss of her pregnancy.
“Loss of earnings and livelihood due to her inability to work and provide for her family as a direct consequence of the ongoing persecution and psychological molestation.
“The apparent risk and threat to her life and flagrant abuse of her human rights.
“For being subjected to constant litigation for exercising her freedom of speech and expression, including freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information without interference as granted to her under section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution.
“We are concerned about her ability to get justice in a country with a reputation for compromised justice.
“We salute Chioma’s continued courage, bravery and tenacity in the face of intimidation and threats. We will continue to support her quest for justice.
“It is worthy to note that in other countries where the health and nutritional well-being of the citizens are paramount, relevant government agencies would be at the forefront of the investigations into all Erisco products and the corresponding labels, instead of leaving this landmark issue in the hands of those who prioritise profit to the lives and general well-being of 200 million Nigerians.
“We call on the government to come to the aid of Chioma as your silence is deafening; loudly telling us that we the consumers cannot voice our opinions about goods we purchase with our hard earned money. Is it silence or suffer?
Chioma Okoli, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos, became involved in a legal battle with Erisco Foods Limited after she posted a critique of their Nagiko Tomato Mix on Facebook.
This post sparked a nationwide controversy and led to Okoli’s detention. Erisco Foods subsequently filed a civil lawsuit demanding billions in compensation.
The public has largely supported Okoli, viewing Erisco Foods’ actions as a threat to freedom of speech. Social media discussions and crowdfunding initiatives have backed her defense.
