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Police close prosecution in cyberstalking case against Chioma Okoli.
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Defence files no-case submission, says no prima facie evidence.
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Court adjourns proceedings till March 31 for ruling.
The prosecution in the controversial cyberstalking case instituted by the Inspector-General of Police against Chioma Okoli has closed its case, with the defence opting to file a no-case submission.
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, disclosed on Thursday that the prosecution concluded the cross-examination of its second witness and formally announced the closure of its case during the resumed proceedings.
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Counsel to the defendant informed the court of the defence’s decision to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring Okoli to open her defence.
The trial judge subsequently adjourned the matter until March 31, 2026, for hearing of the application.
The case, widely known as the “Erisco case,” originated from Okoli’s 2023 Facebook review of Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited.
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The trial had earlier witnessed a major development after police prosecutors withdrew several documents they sought to tender as evidence at the Federal High Court in Abuja following objections by the defence.
Defence counsel argued that the electronically generated documents did not comply with provisions of the Evidence Act and that some public documents were not properly certified. The court agreed that the prosecution had not provided sufficient reason for an adjournment and directed it to proceed with its witnesses.
The case has generated widespread public attention since 2023, with allegations that the defendant was subjected to repeated arrest attempts despite a subsisting court order.
The court’s decision on the no-case submission will determine whether Okoli will be required to enter her defence or if the charges will be dismissed.
