Nigeria Police Places Chioma Okoli on Watchlist Over Erisco Product Review, Requests Immigration Service to Prevent Exit from the Country, and Orders Arrest

Chioma Okoli has found herself at the center of a legal dispute involving the Nigeria Police Force and Erisco Foods Limited due to a review she posted on Facebook regarding one of the company’s products.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken a significant step by reaching out to the Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, urging the placement of Mrs. Okoli Chioma Egodi on a watchlist.

Reports indicate that this action stems from a previous incident in which police officers, purportedly acting under the directives of Egbetokun, attempted to apprehend Okoli at her residence in Lagos State. The officers, allegedly from Abuja, initiated the arrest without presenting any legal authorization from the court.

Despite widespread condemnation from various quarters, including civil society organizations and Amnesty International, urging an end to the harassment faced by Mrs. Okoli, the Inspector General of Police doubled down on his stance. In a letter addressed to the Immigration Controller General, Kemi Nandap, dated April 2, 2024, with reference number OB:3380/IGP.SEC/MU/T.6/ABJ/VOL.3/111, the Inspector General outlined the reasons behind the decision.

Signed by A.A. Elleman, DCP, Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, the letter cites allegations against Okoli, including “criminal conspiracy, de-marketing, blackmail, attempted extortion, and cyberbullying.”

The letter explicitly instructs the Nigeria Immigration Service to restrict Okoli’s travel and take immediate action should she attempt to leave the country. It further emphasizes the importance of cooperation, directing any sightings or arrests to be reported to the IGP Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters in Abuja or the nearest police station.

The move by the Nigeria Police Force to escalate the situation has raised concerns among observers, with many calling for a transparent and fair resolution to the ongoing dispute.