A Lagos-based restaurant, Thirty8 under Lounge Thirty8, has filed a lawsuit against a woman and her friend who alleged on social media that its branch along Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road was involved in ritual killings and kidnappings.

The woman, identified by her social media handle @General_Somto, posted a series of disturbing claims on X (formerly Twitter), describing an unsettling experience near the female restroom at the restaurant.

Visibly shaken in her video posts, she urged the public to visit the location and verify her story, explaining that she could not report the incident to the police. She alleged she had been locked inside the premises and decided to speak out after gaining her freedom.

“I’m not lying,” she said. “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 found “strange things: white clothes, charms” behind the door beside the female restroom. “When I saw it, I shouted, ‘Blood of Jesus!’” she added.

However, when The Guardian visited the restaurant yesterday, operations were ongoing with no visible signs of disturbance. A staff member, who requested anonymity, dismissed the allegations.

“We have never seen the woman. You can go inside the toilet and check if there is anything suspicious,” the staff member said. “The company has filed a legal action, but we learned the woman is no longer in the country. We have four doors: male and female toilets, a stool for cleaners, and a children’s toilet. How is that a crime?”

In a statement, the management categorically denied the accusations, calling them “baseless and malicious.”

“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 management further announced that relevant authorities had been informed and expressed hope that those spreading the rumours would be held accountable.

“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 concluded.