Erisco Foods Intimidates Its Customer Over Review Of Product Online

Erisco Foods has reportedly been accused of intimidating one of its customers as the customer takes to Facebook to drop her cents on the state of the brand’s product.

BrandNewsDay Nigeria reports that a  civic organization, Citizens Gavel, has accused food company Erisco Foods Limited of using the police to harass and intimidate a customer, Chioma Blessing Edoka, who posted a negative review of one of its products on Facebook.

This online news platform understands that in a statement on its verified X handle, formerly Twitter, Citizens Gavel alleged that Chioma was arrested by the police on September 24th, 2023, one week after sharing concerns over a tin of Nagiko tomato mix she had purchased.

According to the group, Erisco Foods made the situation extraordinary by involving the police force instead of constructively addressing the customer’s grievances. The group described Erisco’s actions as reprehensible, adding that it was a potential violation of Chioma’s constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Citizens Gavel condemned the use of law enforcement to settle civil disputes, stating it undermines public trust in the police and judicial system. They called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate the matter as a violation of consumer rights.

The statement reads that consumers have a right to freely express their views on products and services. It reiterated that Chioma committed no crime beyond posting an honest review, which makes her arrest highly questionable.

Citizens Gavel urged corporate organizations to embrace constructive feedback and dialogue with dissatisfied customers rather than resorting to intimidation tactics involving the police.

The revelations have generated concerns about abuse of police powers and disregard for consumer rights in Nigeria. Many argue that Chioma’s arrest establishes a dangerous precedent of suppressing critical reviews through law enforcement.

Citizens Gavel says Erisco Foods’ actions betray the principles of responsible corporate conduct. The civic group insists that the police and consumer protection agencies must take action to forestall such violations in the future.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned Erisco Foods Limited following the arrest of its customer Chioma Blessing Edoka.

Edoka was detained by Erisco Foods with the help of the Nigeria police over a Facebook post reviewing one of the company’s products. The arrest occurred on September 24th as confirmed by civic group Citizens Gavel.

FCCPC Chief Executive Babatunde Irukera verified Edoka’s arrest and transfer of her case to Abuja by the police. He revealed that FCCPC operatives could not find her at the initial station upon arrival.

Irukera added that the agency is working to determine Edoka’s exact location and engaging Force Headquarters on the case. Meanwhile, FCCPC has immediately summoned Erisco Foods over the situation.

The FCCPC disclosed that Ersco Foods’ action signifies intolerance for weaponizing law enforcement against consumers’ reviews of products. The company faces tough questioning and potential sanctions for its heavy-handed response rather than constructive customer service.