In a startling turn of events, Chioma Okoli, a Nigerian lady, might spend up to seven years in prison for criticizing a tomato puree can online. In September of last year, Okoli posted on Facebook to voice her displeasure with a tomato puree can she had bought, saying it was very sweet. Her article went viral right after, receiving over 3,000 comments, one of which was left by someone claiming to be the founder of Erisco Foods Limited, the company that makes the food.
Despite being advised to try other products, Okoli stood by her criticism, even going as far as to suggest the company’s founder should “stop ki***ing people with his product.” This led to her arrest just days later, under Nigeria’s Cyber Crime Prohibition Act, for allegedly instigating false information against Erisco Foods Limited.
Okoli’s ordeal continued as she was kept in a leaky cell for a day before being transferred to Abuja, where she was released on administrative bail. Despite a court order prohibiting her arrest without due process, Okoli claims she faced harassment from the police, including an incident where officers spent an entire day in her home, preventing her children from attending school or obtaining food.
Not to be taken lightly, Erisco Foods Limited filed a N5 billion ($3 million) lawsuit against Okoli, citing the detrimental effects on their company. In retaliation, Okoli has sued Erisco Foods Limited and the Nigerian police, for 500 million naira ($361,171) in damages.
For Okoli, this has turned into a David vs. Goliath struggle since she may end herself in jail, have to pay a large fine, or worse for just expressing her thoughts on social media. Her story brings to light the power dynamics between people and corporations in the internet era, as well as the growing worry over the use of cyber laws to limit free speech.