NIGERIA AGAIN?
Similar to the embarrassing story of the arrest of two binance executives in Nigeria, again, the arrest of a pregnant Nigerian entrepreneur who was illegally put under detention, has gained access to the international media or scene.
Although, the arrest of the pregnant Nigerian entrepreneur who was illegally detained for negative review of tomato đ paste has not gained as much international attention as the case involving the kidnapping of Binance executives in Nigeria, but it is beginning to gain more attention, as the matter got to Reddit days ago.
While the detention of the Binance executives, Nadeem Anjarwalla and Tigran Gambaryan, by Nigerian authorities due to accusations related to money laundering and tax evasion has sparked significant international interest and scrutiny the case of the pregnant Nigerian entrepreneur has not received similar widespread coverage but as the optics indicate, since this involves the abuse of human rights, it may gained more coverage than the illegal kidnapping of the Binance executives by the Nigerian government.
The detention of the Binance executives, the escape of Anjarwalla, and the subsequent charges of tax evasion against Binance have been extensively reported by various news outlets, highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding the cryptocurrency exchange's operations in Nigeria. In contrast, the case of the pregnant Nigerian entrepreneur, has gradually been prominently featured in international media (The New York Post) reports like the Binance executives' situation.
The case of Chioma Okoli, a pregnant Nigerian entrepreneur, revolves around her online review of a can of tomato puree, leading to legal repercussions. On September 17, 2023, Okoli criticized the Nagiko Tomato Mix by Erisco Foods Limited on Facebook, describing it as too sweet. This post triggered a contentious exchange with commenters, culminating in her arrest on September 24, 2023, by Nigerian authorities. She faced charges of instigating against Erisco Foods, potentially resulting in a three-year jail term or a fine of 7 million naira, in a country that breaches international human rights, as also seen in the case of arrest (kidnap) of the two Binance executives.
Additionally, she was accused of conspiring against the company, which could lead to a seven-year sentence if convicted. Okoli's detention included distressing conditions in a leaky police cell, and she was later released on bail under the condition of issuing a public apology, which she refused to do. Subsequently, she filed countersuits against the police and Erisco Foods, characterizing the legal battle as a "David vs. Goliath" scenario.
Many international users of Binance here might have come across the story; kindly let us meet in the comments section to hear your views. Is the arrest right or wrong? Is this matter WORST than the kidnap of Binance executives? Is this a positive or negative sign for Nigeria at the international geopolitical scene, commerce, diplomacy and more?