Nasarawa Commission Demotes Magistrate in Chioma Okoli’s Erisco Case: Fraud Allegations Explained

Erisco Saga Update: Nasarawa Commission’s Magistrate Demotion on Chioma Okoli’s Case

The Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission has demoted Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Jatau for misconduct in the case involving Chioma Okoli and Erisco Foods Limited.

Jatau was downgraded from Chief Magistrate II to Senior Magistrate I and relieved of his magisterial duties.

This disciplinary action follows a petition by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who accused Jatau of judicial misconduct and abuse of power.

Effiong contended that Jatau issued arrest and remand warrants against Okoli, a Lagos resident, for alleged offenses committed outside Nasarawa State, thereby exceeding his jurisdiction.

The case dates back to September 17, 2023, when Okoli posted on Facebook that she found Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product of Erisco Foods, to be sugary. Erisco Foods disputed her claim and filed a petition leading to her arrest.

Okoli was subsequently arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking, to which she pleaded not guilty. She was initially remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre but later granted bail.

Effiong’s petition highlighted that the alleged offenses were not committed in Nasarawa State and that Okoli had no ties to the state, rendering the magistrate’s actions inappropriate.