Justice Peter Lifu, from an Abuja Federal High Court, granted Chioma Okoli bail amounting to N5m and two sureties of equivalent value on Friday.
The judge stipulated that one of the sureties should either be the defendant’s spouse or a blood relative with a fluctuating income source residing within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, the judge mandated the sureties to each provide a passport photograph.
He directed the defendant to submit her international passport if available.
Chioma Okoli is currently accused of two counts related to cybercrime.
The lawsuit against Okoli stems from a Facebook post she shared on September 17, 2023, where she critiqued Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste.
In her statement, she alleged purchasing Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods the day prior and described it as excessively sweet.
She noted her preference for Gino or Sonia brands, which were unfortunately out of stock
The post incited reactions and prompted the company to involve the police by filing a petition to the Inspector-General.
The incident also drew the attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Subsequently, NAFDAC initiated an evaluation of the product’s registration and a comprehensive inspection of Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix.
In his ruling on Friday, the trial judge concurred with the arguments presented by the defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, asserting that Okoli’s alleged offense was eligible for bail.
Justice Lifu further emphasized that Okoli is innocent until proven guilty as per Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He also emphasized that denying bail would constitute an improper exercise of discretion, tantamount to premature judgment and judicial misconduct.
The decision to grant bail was also influenced by Okoli’s health condition.
Hence, her bail application was approved, with the case adjourned until June 13 for further proceedings.
Okoli was formally charged before Justice Lifu on Tuesday.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, the judge ordered her detention until today to deliver a ruling on her bail plea.
Earlier, the prosecuting attorney, Abdulrashid Sidi, urged the court to dismiss the defense’s bail request made by Effiong.
Sidi raised objections to the bail plea, citing the defendant’s past behavior and indicating a potential flight risk.
Specifically, the prosecution highlighted that during a previous administrative bail, the defendant failed to comply with the terms, raising concerns about her likelihood to evade bail.