Nigerians, yesterday, took to X, formerly twitter, to demand the release of a lady, Chioma Egodi, allegedly arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on the order of Erisco Food, over her honest opinion on its product.
The lady had on September 17, taken to Facebook after buying the product to give a review of what she discovered. She wrote: “I went to buy tin tomatoes yesterday that I will use to make stew. I didn’t see Gino and Sonia.
“So, I decided to buy this one. When I opened it, I decided to taste it. Omo! Sugar was just too much. Haaa, Biko let me know if you have used this tin tomato before because this is an Ike gwuru situation.”
Responding, the company said the claim was untrue and unfounded in its entirety.
The company in a statement, said its initial reaction was to ignore and disregard the post, which was obviously intended to mislead our esteemed customers and discredit the image of Erisco Foods Limited, as previously instigated by some elements, and syndicates who are uncomfortable with our increasing market dominance as a leading indigenous manufacturer of tomato pastes.
“Considering, however, that Erisco Foods Limited has built a reputation as a credible organisation committed to due process and the good of humanity, we have decided to bring the said publication to the attention of relevant authorities.”
“In light of the above, we wish to reiterate that Erisco Foods Limited is solely committed to the production of healthy tomato products including other products that have the full regulatory stamp and approval of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“While we recognise the rights of our consumers to make genuine observations about our products, we want to thank our esteemed customers for their continued patronage of Erisco Foods Limited.
“However, having built our reputation on healthy and quality products which have earned us both local and international awards, including National Productivity Order of Merit Award, we will take all necessary actions against any malicious attack on our reputation,” the firm added.
A lawyer, Babatunde Irukera, wrote on X: “Operatives have confirmed the arrest and transfer of the case to Abuja by the Police Force.
She was no longer at the station on arrival. Working to determine exact current location and engaging Force HQ in Abuja.
Summons being issued to @EriscoFoodsLtd immediately.
Another X user by the name Maestro, wrote: “This is quite sad. One would think that this was an easy fix case. But then, Chioma, a “consumer”, the same day was moved to Abuja for an honest review about a product. I heard she is a nursing mother.
“The police as an institution forms part of the core of citizens’ perception. This is sad.” Dice Olusola wrote: “On what grounds? We need to sue the company and the Nigerian police. Let’s crowd fund and send a clear message here. I am ready to contribute.”
But, responding to enquiry on the matter, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, denied knowledge of the case.
“If they claim that police arrest someone, they should be able to identify the state where she was arrested, and if she has been taken to the Force Headquarters, we need to know who carried out the action.
“Now, we don’t know if she was arrested by the police or any other person.”
