Erisco Foods Limited, a food processing company, has been accused of instigating the arrest of a woman, Chioma Egodi, by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over her Facebook review of the company’s tomato paste, Nagiko.

In her post on September 17, Egodi claimed that she tasted too much sugar in the tin tomato and it spoilt the Tomato sauce she cooked with it.

“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.

Erisco Foods, however, described the claim as untrue and unfounded, stating that the post was intended to mislead its customers and discredit the image of the company

“…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. 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.

Understandably, the arrest has sparked outrage amongst online users and human rights lawyers like Inibehe Effiong who has criticized Erisco Foods for instigating the police to arrest and detain Egodi.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has also announced plans to summon Erisco Foods over the incident

Babatunde Irukera, executive vice-chairman of the FCCPC, said on the agency’s X handle that reports of the arrest have been brought to the commission’s attention.

“@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,” he said.