Our reporter
The owner of Calabar Kitchen, Mary Joe, a popular restaurant located on Iwofe Road, has strongly denied viral allegations that she was arrested for using “dead body water” to cook food for her customers.
The shocking rumour, which circulated widely on social media last week, claimed that the restaurant owner had been taken into custody after refusing to taste her soup when confronted by police.
NigerDelta Insider visited the restaurant over the weekend to verify the claims that have caused significant uproar and concern among the community.
Contrary to the rumours, the restaurant was open for business, and there was no evidence of any police intervention.
The rumour reportedly began after the owner allegedly sacked one of her workers, who then supposedly revealed the macabre cooking practice.
It was further speculated that police had visited the restaurant, demanded that the owner taste her soup, and subsequently arrested her when she refused. However, these claims have now been debunked.
Speaking to NigerDelta Insider, the restaurant owner expressed her confusion and distress over the baseless accusations. She explained that the rumours likely started on a day she decided to close the restaurant for some much-needed rest.
That evening, a friend informed her of the circulating rumours, including the alleged arrest. The following day, she chose to keep the restaurant closed as protests, presumably in response to the false allegations, began to erupt.
The owner confirmed that she has not fired any of her staff, all of whom were present and working at the time of the visit. She emphasized that no police officers had visited her restaurant, let alone asked her to taste any of her dishes.
As of now, Calabar Kitchen remains open, with the owner urging the public to disregard the unfounded rumours.
She reassured her customers of the restaurant’s commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety, and appealed for calm as the falsehoods continue to be debunked.
