Erisco under fire for arresting customer over negative review of product

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong criticized Erisco Foods Limited for the arrest of one of its customers, Chioma Blessing Edoka, due to her Facebook post. The legal practitioner characterized the actions of Erisco’s management as irresponsible and also admonished the Nigerian Police Force for becoming a tool used to harass Nigerian citizens.

Taking to Twitter to express his views, Effiong stated, “The management of @EriscoFoodsLtd acted viciously and irresponsibly by instigating the police to arrest and detain a customer for her negative review of their product.”

He further criticized the company’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that a mere disagreement with a customer’s product review should not result in arrest. Effiong asserted that a public statement addressing the concerns and engaging with the customer would have been a more appropriate response.

Expressing his disappointment in the current state of affairs, Effiong remarked, “There are certain things that happen in this country that can only be attributed to insanity. If you disagree with her review, a simple public statement would have sufficed.”

He stressed the need for reform within the Nigerian Police Force, highlighting how easily individuals can weaponize the police to handle civil disputes, a practice he vehemently opposed.

The incident, which occurred on September 24, 2023, sparked outrage after Chioma Edoka was arrested by Erisco Foods Limited with the assistance of the Nigerian Police Force, all over her Facebook post regarding one of the company’s food products. Public outcry has intensified, calling for justice and reform within both the corporate sector and law enforcement agencies.