A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted Mrs Chioma Okoli a N5 million bail with two sureties in like sum over claims bordering on her online commentary on an Erisco Foods Limited’s product — a tomato paste.
Justice Peter Lifu, the Chief Judge had in a ruling, agreed with the arguments of the defendant’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, that the offense with which Okoli was being charged with was a bailable one.
Lifu’s judgement further held that the defendant was presumed innocent until proven guilty as was stated in Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Lifu had also said that denying her [the defendant] bail was a wrong application of tactfulness which will amount to a pre-trial judgment and judicial rascality.
The judge also equally granted the defendant bail based on her health status.
In admitting her to bail, he pronounced that one of the sureties would be the defendant’s spouse or blood relative with a variable source of income and also residing within the jurisdiction of the court.
The sureties were to deposit a passport photograph each, and the defendant would deposit her international passport if she any.
The case was then adjourned until June 13 for further hearing.
Okoli is being charged over her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste which occurred on September 17, 2023. A post that the police claimed violated the Cybercrime Act of 2015.
What This Means
Mrs. Chioma Okoli’s bail grant is a huge significance that shows a major shift in the ongoing debate over online commentary and its legal implications. The court’s recognition of Mrs Okoli’s presumption of innocence also highlights the importance of due process in the face of potentially controversial charges.
In conclusion, this case acts as a significant marker in understanding the burgeoning landscape of digital speech and its consequences within the legal framework of Nigeria.
