A Lagos restaurant, Thirty8, has filed a lawsuit against a woman and her associate following serious allegations of ritual killings and kidnappings shared on social media platforms.
The woman, identified by her X (formerly Twitter) handle @General_Somto, posted a series of videos claiming she had a terrifying experience at the restaurant's Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road branch. In the emotionally charged clips, she alleged she had been confined within the premises and only spoke out after securing her freedom.
"I'm not lying," she declared in the viral posts. "Inside the restaurant, the first door after the female restroom. Go and check it. Many people have died. I'm not trying to ruin anyone's business."
The woman further claimed to have discovered disturbing items behind a door adjacent to the female restroom, including what she described as "white clothes" and "charms." "When I saw it, I shouted, 'Blood of Jesus!'" she added in her posts.
In response, Lounge Thirty8, the company operating the restaurant, issued an official statement strongly denying the allegations, describing them as "baseless and malicious." The management suggested the claims were orchestrated by business competitors.
"Our restaurant operates with the highest standards of safety, integrity, and respect for human rights and dignity. It is clear that competitors who have not been able to upstage us business-wise have resorted to this devilish strategy," the statement read.
The restaurant management confirmed they have notified security agencies about the defamatory content and expressed confidence that those responsible will face legal consequences.
"This is an opportunity to thank our loyal customers for their continued trust and support while welcoming new customers to experience our delicious meals and high-level hospitality," the statement added.
The case highlights the growing concern about the impact of unverified social media allegations on businesses and the potential legal consequences for those making such claims.
