From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The scheduled arraignment of Chioma Edoka Okoli, also known as Chioma Egodi Jnr, Happiness Obas, and Don Kashking on charges of false information and criminal intimidation against Erisco Foods Limited has been stalled. During the court proceedings, only Chioma Edoka Okoli was present, while Happiness Obas and Don Kashking were reported to be at large.
The arraignment faced a setback due to the absence of Justice Peter Lifu, who was unavailable to preside over the case. As a result, the arraignment was adjourned until May 28.
The charges, filed on October 5, 2023, and marked as FHC/ABJ/CR/470/2023, were brought by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The defendants are accused of conspiring to send a false message on Facebook through the handle “Chioma Egodi Jnr,” with the intention of inciting people against Erisco Foods Limited.
According to the charges, signed by Abdulrashid Isyaku Sidi, the defendants were aware that the information they disseminated was false and intended to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to Erisco Foods Limited and its management and family members.
The prosecution further alleged that the false information was intended to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to Erisco Foods Limited and its management and family members.
The offences charged are in violation of Section 27 (1) (b) and 24 (1) (b) of the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.