Chioma Okoli: Nasarawa Judicial Commission demotes magistrate over Controversial Erisco Foods case

The Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission has demoted Emmanuel Jatau, a Chief Magistrate, following his handling of a contentious case involving Chioma Okoli and the Nigeria Police Force.

In a letter dated January 6, 2025, signed by the commission’s secretary, Yahaya Shafa, it was disclosed that Jatau has been downgraded from Chief Magistrate II (Grade Level 15) to Senior Magistrate I (Grade Level 14). Furthermore, he has been stripped of his magisterial responsibilities.

“Consequently, I have been directed by the Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State and Chairman Judicial Service Commission to write and inform you that Hon. Emmanuel A. Jatau has been demoted by a grade level lower than his current grade level, i.e., from Chief Magistrate II on GL 15 to Senior Magistrate I on GL 14, and stripped of his magisterial duties,” the commission stated.

Case Background

The disciplinary action arose from Jatau’s issuance of controversial arrest and remand warrants against Okoli, which were deemed “fraudulent” and beyond his jurisdiction.

The case dates back to September 17, 2023, when Okoli alleged on Facebook that Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product of Erisco Foods Limited, was excessively sugary. The company, led by CEO Eric Umeofia, denied the claim and filed a petition, leading to Okoli’s arrest.

She was arraigned on charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking and subsequently remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. Although she was later granted bail, the ordeal took a tragic turn when Okoli reportedly suffered a miscarriage, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.

Petition Against Jatau

Okoli’s legal counsel, Inibehe Effiong, filed a petition against Jatau, accusing him of overstepping his jurisdiction. Effiong argued that Okoli neither resides in Nasarawa State nor committed the alleged offence there, and cybercrime charges fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court as outlined in the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.

Effiong described Jatau’s actions as a “brazen” abuse of judicial power and called for a thorough investigation.

Nasarawa Judicial Commission Demotes Magistrate Over Mishandling of Controversial Case

The Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission has demoted Emmanuel Jatau, a Chief Magistrate, following his handling of a contentious case involving Chioma Okoli and the Nigeria Police Force.

In a letter dated January 6, 2025, signed by the commission’s secretary, Yahaya Shafa, it was disclosed that Jatau has been downgraded from Chief Magistrate II (Grade Level 15) to Senior Magistrate I (Grade Level 14). Furthermore, he has been stripped of his magisterial responsibilities.

“Consequently, I have been directed by the Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State and Chairman Judicial Service Commission to write and inform you that Hon. Emmanuel A. Jatau has been demoted by a grade level lower than his current grade level, i.e., from Chief Magistrate II on GL 15 to Senior Magistrate I on GL 14, and stripped of his magisterial duties,” the commission stated.

Case Background

The disciplinary action arose from Jatau’s issuance of controversial arrest and remand warrants against Okoli, which were deemed “fraudulent” and beyond his jurisdiction.

The case dates back to September 17, 2023, when Okoli alleged on Facebook that Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product of Erisco Foods Limited, was excessively sugary. The company, led by CEO Eric Umeofia, denied the claim and filed a petition, leading to Okoli’s arrest.

She was arraigned on charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking and subsequently remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. Although she was later granted bail, the ordeal took a tragic turn when Okoli reportedly suffered a miscarriage, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.

Petition Against Jatau

Okoli’s legal counsel, Inibehe Effiong, filed a petition against Jatau, accusing him of overstepping his jurisdiction. Effiong argued that Okoli neither resides in Nasarawa State nor committed the alleged offence there, and cybercrime charges fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court as outlined in the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.

Effiong described Jatau’s actions as a “brazen” abuse of judicial power and called for a thorough investigation.

The demotion of Jatau is seen as a significant move by the Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission to uphold judicial accountability and integrity.