Lagos, Nigeria – On September 16, 2023, Chioma Okoli wrote a Facebook review of Nagiko tomato puree she purchased in Sangotedo, Lagos. She remarked about its sweet taste compared to other brands and solicited opinions from her followers.

The post drew various reactions, and one user insisted she should use another brand instead of criticizing it online. Okoli responded with a suggestion that the producer improve the product for safety, sparking over 2,500 comments.

Days later, as Okoli exited church, she was approached by plainclothes police officers, arrested, and taken to Ogudu police station.

Okoli, a mother of three, was baffled by the charges of extortion, blackmail, and running a syndicate that were presented to her.

Her case is one of many in Nigeria where individuals have faced legal issues under the country's vague cybercrime laws. Originally intended to protect critical national information and citizens, these laws are increasingly used against journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens exercising free speech.

In 2015, the Cybercrime Act was introduced to bolster cybersecurity, but its ambiguous language has allowed authorities to use it against dissenters, said activist and lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who is representing Okoli.

Following a 2022 ECOWAS court ruling, the act was amended in February to align it with international human rights standards. However, the police's recent actions against Okoli suggest they have yet to adjust to these changes, Effiong added.

Anietie Ewang from Human Rights Watch noted that despite the amendments, the law remains open to abuse due to its vague language, which authorities can manipulate to fit their purposes.

‘Coerced statement’

The day after her arrest, Okoli was flown to Abuja for further questioning. She recounted a tense meeting with Erisco Food Limited’s CEO Eric Umeofia, who accused her of malicious intent and demanded she apologize publicly.

Under duress and without legal representation, Okoli copied a forced confession before being released three days later.

NAFDAC later confirmed the safety of the Nagiko puree. Erisco Foods insisted Okoli’s allegations were baseless and pursued legal action against her. The police charged her with spreading false information and pressured her to shut down a GoFundMe campaign set up for her legal defense.

Her lawyer countered with a lawsuit against Erisco Foods and the police for 500 million naira.

Okoli fell ill during this period, and her infant suffered due to premature weaning. Her business’s Facebook page was also hacked. The ordeal left her feeling withdrawn and fundamentally changed.

In January, despite a court order, police attempted to rearrest her, accusing her of breaching bail. She resisted until her lawyer arrived.

No country for journalists

Okoli’s arrest has sparked concern among Nigerians and rights groups about the implications for free speech. Journalists have similarly faced legal threats for their work.

Journalist Daniel Ojukwu was detained for 10 days under vague cybercrime accusations, believed to be tied to his reporting on government corruption. The police maintained he was under investigation for financial crimes.

In detention, Ojukwu endured harsh conditions and an asthma attack. His family, unaware of his whereabouts, feared the worst. Although released on bail, his international passport remains confiscated.

Since the Cybercrime Act’s enactment, at least 25 journalists have faced legal challenges, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Nigeria ranks poorly on the World Press Freedom Index, indicative of the broader issue of political manipulation and lack of accountability.

‘Victims are examples to others’

Ojukwu’s experience reflects a wider climate of fear among journalists and activists. The extreme measures taken against critics, like Dadiyata who disappeared in 2019, serve as potent warnings.

Despite family concerns, Ojukwu remains committed to his work, vowing to continue documenting social injustices and corruption.

Ewang stressed the need for immediate reforms to protect human rights and ensure the Cybercrime Act is not misused. Without such measures, state-sanctioned abuses will persist, she warned.

As Okoli awaits her trial, she remains hopeful for a just outcome, steadfast in her belief of not having committed any crime.