Facebook user arrested after giving bad review of Erisco product

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has confirmed the arrest of Chioma Egodi, a consumer who gave a review of an Erisco Foods product.

On September 17, Egodi made a post on Facebook, stating that she tasted Nagiko Tomato Mix, one of the tomato paste variants of Erisco Foods Limited, and found it sugary.

She shared a picture of the opened can of tomato paste alongside her post. Edogi has since deleted the post.

“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 is just too much! Haaa biko let me know if you have used this Tin tomato before because this is an ike gwuru situation,” she wrote.

Reacting in a statement, Erisco Foods Limited described the claim as untrue and unfounded.

The company said the post was intended to mislead its 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 100% natural tomato pastes”.

Erisco Foods added that it has “decided to bring the said publication to the attention of relevant authorities”.

“While we recognize 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

On Sunday, reports of Egodi’s arrest began making waves on social media, with many demanding her release and calling for the boycott of Erisco Foods.

Responding to one of such posts on X, Babatunde Irukera, executive vice-chairman of the FCCPC, said reports of the arrest have been brought to the commission’s attention.

He added that a team is seeking to clarify the arrest and secure an explanation from Erisco Foods.

In a subsequent post on the social media platform, Irukera said the FCCPC has confirmed the arrest and transfer of the consumer to Abuja by the police.

“@fccpcnigeria operatives have confirmed arrest & 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 & engaging Force HQ in Abuja. Summons being issued to @EriscoFoodsLtd immediately,” the post reads.