March 7, 2024
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the police in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer berated Nigerians for the N1.9million donation via crowdfunding for Chioma to fight her legal case with the Erisco Foods Limited.
Inibehe Effiong, human rights lawyer and counsel to Chioma Okoli on the Erisco Foods Limited product review case has replied the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noting that every action the police had taken on the matter showed blatant disregard for the rule of law.
The police had asked Chioma Okoli to show up to allow justice to take its course in the matter involving her and Erisco Foods Limited as Adejobi reaffirmed the commitment of the police to “upholding the rule of law in the Erisco Tomato matter”.
The Force spokesperson had said it was imperative to caution members of the public against spreading misinformation and attempting to manipulate public sentiments.
But responding to the police’s statement, Inibehe described the statement as "laughable, prejudicial and baseless."
The lawyer said that it was on record that policemen who claimed to be acting under the orders of the Inspector General of Police illegally invaded Chioma’s home on January 9 and laid siege to her home for over 10 hours in their attempt to rearrest her, in violation of the subsisting restraining order of the Federal High Court that Chioma must not be rearrested except on the express order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Inibehe said, “Our attention has been drawn to a prejudicial and utterly baseless press release issued by the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on the Erisco Tomatoes matter.
“In his press release, the Force PRO stated that the police is committed to “upholding the rule of law in the Erisco Tomatoes matter.” This is laughable because every action taken so far in this matter shows blatant disregard for the rule of law.
“For example, it is on record that policemen who claimed to be acting under the orders of the Inspector General of Police illegally invaded the home of our client on 9th January, 2024 and laid siege to her home for over 10 hours in their attempt to rearrest her, in violation of the subsisting restraining order of the Federal High Court that our client must not be rearrested except on the express order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The Force PRO also insinuated that the crowdfunding by spirited Nigerians to support Chioma’s legal pursuits is aimed at “influencing legal proceedings.” We are unable to make sense of this particular statement as it is neither coherent nor reasonable.”
The human rights lawyer further said that “It is preposterous for the Force PRO to insinuate that crowdfunding can influence legal proceedings. He failed to state exactly how this is possible or how it affects Chioma’s case.
“If the Force PRO is interested in getting a share of the funds contributed by concerned Nigerians to support Chioma, he should come out plainly and say so instead of indulging in embarrassing prevarication.
“ACP Adejobi also asserted that “preliminary investigation unearthed compelling evidence indicating Mrs. Chioma’s alleged role in the violation of extant laws”. We consider this statement prejudicial to a fair trial.
“Since the police has filed a charge in court, they should allow the court to determine the case instead of engaging in a media trial. It is curious that the Force PRO has chosen to keep the so-called “compelling evidence” only in his head. He should extract it from his head and present it before the court. We cannot comment on fiction.
“By Section 36(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Chioma is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“We are equally taken aback by the barefaced falsehood propagated by the Force PRO to the effect that Chioma had jumped bail. This is offensive and we may be forced to sue ACP Adejobi for that defamatory statement. Chioma is not on the run and has never jumped bail.”
According to him, “The fact of the matter is that since the Police filed their charge against her, they refused or failed to serve her with a copy of the charge. Chioma has also not been served with a trial notice or summons from the court.
“Before rushing to the media to scandalize our client, the Force PRO should have sought legal advice on the extant legal procedures.
“Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, a defendant who is not in custody must be served with a copy of the charge along with proof of evidence and notice of trial. These are preconditions to the appearance of the defendant in court.
“The last two times that the charge came up in court, the police prosecutor admitted that they were yet to serve Chioma with a copy of the charge and pleaded for more time. We waited for them to do so but they didn’t.
“We proceeded on our own to apply for and obtain the certified true copy of the charge to save the time of the Court. We did this to demonstrate that Chioma is ready and very willing to stand trial and has nothing to fear.
“It is sad that rather than commend us for going on our own to obtain the charge instead of waiting till whenever the police decides to serve Chioma, the Force PRO has decided to peddle a false and malicious narrative for reasons best known to him.
“We urge ACP Adejobi to desist from propaganda and imbibe responsible policing attributes.”