Erisco foods: Court grants N5m bail to embattled tomato paste

Erisco foods Court grants N5m bail to embattled tomato paste reviewer
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Mrs. Chioma Okoli bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like amount, over allegations stemming from her online commentary about Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste.

Presiding over the case, Justice Peter Lifu upheld the argument presented by the defendant’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, affirming that the charges against Mrs. Okoli were bailable. The judge emphasized the constitutional principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, referencing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Justice Lifu criticized the prosecution’s attempt to deny bail, labeling it a misuse of judicial discretion that could amount to a pre-trial judgment and judicial misconduct. He also noted Mrs. Okoli’s health status as a factor in his decision.

In the bail conditions, the judge stipulated that one of the sureties must be either the defendant’s spouse or a blood relative with a verified income and residence within the court’s jurisdiction. Both sureties are required to submit passport photographs, and Mrs. Okoli must surrender her international passport if she possesses one.

The case has been adjourned until June 13 for further proceedings.