An image circulating on social media claims thatEriscoFood company has rebranded as a face-saving measure after their recent controversy.
The claim is unproven.
Several Facebook posts now claim that Erisco has rebranded and changed its name after consumers boycotted its products over the move against Ms. Okoli.
One of the posts reads: “JUST IN: Erisco Foods Reportedly Rebrands Under New Name Nicodemously Amidst Boycott Of Product.”
The posts included photos of the owner of the company, its Nagiko tomato mix, and another brand of tomato mix called “Tomagood”, implying that this was the new brand name.
The tomato mix that Okoli tested in 2023 had the name “Nagiko” on it, which is the same as in a photo that was attached to some of the Facebook posts.
Erisco is a local maker of tomato paste, tomato mix, drinks, seasoning cubes, milk and chocolate cubes.
There is no evidence to show that the one with “Tomagood” on it was made by Erisco Foods.
According to its website, the company produces its tomato mixes under three names: Nagiko, Ric-Giko and Erisco.
There is nothing on the company’s website or social media handles to suggest that the company has changed its name. Its logo and other information on its website, including social media posts, remain under the name Erisco.
There is also no information about the purported “Tomagood”.
There is no evidence that Erisco Foods has changed its brand name. The photo of the tomato mix attached to the post suggesting a name change is not one of the brands on the company’s website.
Erisco Foods Limited became controversial after suing a Nigerian woman named ChiomaOkoli. It accused her of cybercrime and defamation for posting damaging claimsabout its tomato mix on social media in September 2023.
Okoli was critical of the quality of the tomato mix, expressing dissatisfaction with its taste and texture, and suggesting that it could be harmful.
Okoli’s case received widespread media coverage due to the resulting public outcry, with many suggesting that Erisco’s response was heavy-handed and an attempt to suppress consumer feedback.
However, in May 2024, the court granted Okoli bail in the sum of N5 million (US$3,640) and required her to produce two sureties, among other conditions.
CONCLUSION
The claim that EriscoFoods has rebranded their Tomato to Tomagood is FALSE
When President Tinubu nominated Professor Joash Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, social media erupted. “He was Tinubu’s lawyer during the 2023 election case!” users claimed, warning that democracy was in danger. But is the outrage based on fact?
Verification: WABMA reviewed the Certified True Copies of both the Presidential Election Tribunal and Supreme Court judgments from the 2023 election petitions.
Amupitan’s name does not appear among the lawyers listed for Tinubu, Shettima, or the APC. Instead, the records show Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) — a University of Lagos law professor — as one of the legal counsels.
The similarity between the surnames Osipitan and Amupitan seems to have caused the mix-up. No court record, statement, or credible media report links Amupitan to Tinubu’s legal team.
Today, we proudly mark the 100th edition of the WABMA Fake News Debunker — published consistently in audio, video, and text formats.
This milestone is more than just a number. It is a testament to our resilience, commitment, and belief in the power of truth. For nearly two years, through changing tides and persistent challenges, we have worked tirelessly to expose misinformation, challenge disinformation, and protect the public discourse in West Africa.
Fake news undermines democracy, endangers lives, and erodes trust. That is why we have stayed the course — week after week — empowering citizens with facts, and strengthening media literacy across communities.
Thank you to every researcher, producer, presenter, and supporter who made this possible. The work continues — because truth still matters.
🚩 Are popular skin-whitening injections in West Africa genuine and safe to use? 🚩 Is Nigeria’s Central Bank planning to scrap old Naira notes soon? 🚩 Has the COVID-19 variant XEC already spread to Nigeria?
In this episode, we dive deep into these viral claims to separate facts from fiction. Don’t fall for fake news—get the truth you need right here!