From Right: Reviewer Chioma Okoli, Reviewed Product (Centre), and Erisco Foods CEO, Eric Umeofia (Right). Photo Credit: Nairaland
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Claim: The CEO of Erisco Foods Limited threatened to kill Chioma Okoli over her “bad review” of their product.
Verdict: MISLEADING. The claim that Eric Umeofia threatened to kill Chioma Okoli is misleading. The content and context of the video where the alleged threat was made do not support the assertion.
Full Text
An X user, Erimus (@FirstObidient), on March 1, 2024, posted a video clip from an interview on Arise TV alleging that Erisco Foods Limited CEO, Eric Umeofia, threatened to kill Chioma Okoli, who criticised one of the company’s products.
The post caption reads, “This is the CEO of ERISCO threatening to k!ll Chioma Okoli over a bad review! Is there anything else she did that I’m not aware of?? What kind of country is this?????.”
Recall that Ms Okoli’s review was shared on her Facebook page, Chioma Egodi Jnr, on Sept. 17, 2023. The post, which has now been deleted, said: “Nagiko Tomato Paste” contained excessive sugar, alleging it was harmful to consumers.
Meanwhile, Erisco Foods denied her claims, and she was subsequently arrested, a move that attracted public condemnation and intervention by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The issue resurfaced after Ms Okoli’s recent interview on Arise TV on Feb. 25, 2024, in a 21-minute documentary. This created another tempo of concern following an alleged threat to life contained in the recent claim by the X user, @FirstObidient.
As of March 10, 2024, the post generated more than 420,000 views, over 3,000 likes, over 500 comments, and more than 2,565 reposts.
Verification
We analysed the video posted initially by Arise News TV on Sept. 28, 2023, and there was no proof or suggestion that Mr Umeofia, during the interview, threatened to kill Ms Okoli. The content of the video, however, revealed that the CEO said Erisco Foods Limited would sue Ms Okoli for defamation if she failed to retract her statement and apologise publicly.
Mr Umeofia’s statement on the 30th second of the 1-minute 34-second video posted by the X user was, “Nothing will make me drop the case until the court jails me for killing people. ….or Chioma will face the consequence.”
This means until the court finds him guilty of the allegation that his product kills people, he will follow the case through, and Ms Okoli will be penalised if the court rules otherwise.
To further determine if there were comments suggesting a threat to life possibly made outside the video in review, we reached out directly to Erisco Foods Limited via their Instagram handle (@eriscofoods), Facebook (Erisco Foods Limited), and email at eriscofoodsltd2009@gmail.com. However, we are still waiting to get a response at the time of publishing.
Meanwhile, contacted one of Eriscos’ staff via the customer service line, 08091111222, provided on its Facebook page to get an official statement on the claim, but the receiver declined to comment, saying the matter was in court.
Conclusion
The claim that Eric Umeofia, the CEO of Erisco Foods Limited, threatened to kill Chioma Okoli over her “bad review” of their product is misleading. Our investigation revealed that the context of the video provided does not support the assertion. Mr Umeofia’s comment emphasised the company’s intention to pursue legal action against Ms Okoli for defamation if she failed to retract her statement and apologise publicly.
The researcher produced this fact-check per the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship, in partnership with Bridge Radio 98.7FM, Asaba, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
There’s no freedom of speech for the poor. This man abused his power
There are also opinions that her review was aimed at destroying that brand. What would you have done differently if you were the CEO of Erisco Foods?
When will all these stop in Nigeria
Verification of claims before publicly dishing out should be paramount not because you have a phone then you can drop anything out there.
Since when has it become a crime to have an opinion, especially on something we consume?
She only stated her observations, I see nothing wrong with it. Having a company means being open to criticism (good or bad), but here in Nigeria its totally different, everyone wants to abuse their power!
Reviews are part of business growth, good or bad. This is basic knowledge, but Nigerians like inserting sentiment into everything.
A lot of people feel this matter has been overstretched. What would you have done differently if you were the CEO of Erisco Foods?
If I were the CEO, I would have taken my time to look into the negative claims on my products.
Secondly, engage with the said customer so as to understand her reasons for the bad review and also give her the assurance that her concerns would be looked into.
Look into the production of my tomato puree, so as to ensure that the quality and taste has improved. While at it I’ll also inform my customers on the steps being taking to improve the product. I can even go as far as refunding the said customer, this will help in my company’s growth and also let my customers see that I care about their concerns and ready to satisfy them in anyway I can.
It all boils down to building a nice customer relationship!
Will these ever stop in Nigeria?
She has a right to complain about a product if she doesn’t like it. When other people complain about other Nigerian products publicly, do they drag them like this? Abeg make him go rest jare.
The problem is that as Africans, we are not used to reviews. WE only want to be praised. If the customer syas there was too much sugar, that is her right. About the claim of killing sugar, actually thta will be true for most food stuffs on our shelves and most are killer foods because they contain refined sugar as well as a lopt of non-food additives meant to lengthen shelf life. In the UK/ EU, most ffoods will indicate a red bar for a cenrtain level of sugar, sald or fat. So strictly speaking, though not just his tomato paste, this tomato paste likely leads to ill heath which leads tio death. So the best these guys should have done was to just work on reducing the sugar content because that is now the trend.
Well stated! Truth seems to always be on the watchlist…
I am afraid to leave a comment o. Oga at the top of Tomato fit pursue pesin o.
If there’s no sugar inside. Say it. If there is. Say it. How much sugar. Say it.
Indeed, truth must be said at all times, no matter whose ox is gored. If it is verified, say it!