As Bakery Files N50 Million Defamation Suit
A TikTok content creator known as “Love” a 53-year-old store owner whose real name is reportedly Love Dooshimaa has been invited to the Nigeria Police Force headquarters for questioning over allegations of cyberstalking, fraud, and mischief, after she posted a viral video raising concerns about a loaf of bread she said remained fresh, soft, and free of mould or bad odour for approximately two months after purchase.
The development, which has triggered widespread public debate about consumer rights, corporate power, and the use of police and legal machinery to silence citizens who raise food safety concerns, came to light on Sunday when social media influencer Lucky Udu shared a screenshot of the creator’s TikTok direct message confirming the police invitation, alongside a video commenting on the matter on Instagram.
The bakery brand Bon Bread, founded by Maria Abdulkadir (also known as Maria Umeagwukadilo), has identified itself as the target of the video, filed a N50 million defamation lawsuit against the creator, and reportedly made the complaint that led to the police invitation — despite the fact that the original video did not name any specific brand or show the bread’s packaging or logo.
The controversy began when Love posted a video on TikTok showing a loaf of bread from her shop that she claimed had remained fresh for approximately two months. In the video, she expressed concern about possible excessive preservatives or food safety issues, referencing Michael Jackson’s song “They Don’t Really Care About Us” as commentary on corporate indifference to consumer safety.
The video did not identify any specific bakery brand. No packaging, logo, or brand name was visible in the clip. The creator presented it as a general observation from her experience as a shop owner a consumer raising a question about a product she found unusual.
Nevertheless, the video quickly gained traction online, triggering widespread debate among social media users over food safety standards, the use of preservatives in Nigerian baked goods, and corporate accountability in the food industry.
Despite not being named in the video, Bon Bread identified itself as the brand being discussed largely because comments on the video linked the bread to the company’s products.
The company’s founder, Maria Abdulkadir, said the brand attempted to reach the creator for clarification and to test the bread together.
“I made a call to her because I wanted to understand where she got the bread from and how it could have lasted two months, as she claimed,” Abdulkadir stated.
She said the situation escalated after attempts at engagement were unsuccessful, while noting that public reactions in the comment section further linked the claim to her brand and caused reputational damage and significant sales losses.
Abdulkadir stressed that Bon Bread products are freshly baked based on daily orders, comply with NAFDAC and Standards Organisation of Nigeria requirements, and do not contain the kind of preservatives that would allow bread to last for two months.
“We believe in freedom of speech and respect everyone’s right to express opinions. However, we stand firmly behind the safety and quality of our product,” Abdulkadir stated.
The company subsequently filed a N50 million defamation lawsuit against the creator and reportedly made a complaint to the Nigeria Police Force — the complaint that led to the police invitation.
The creator confirmed receiving the police summons in a TikTok direct message to influencer Lucky Udu.
“Hello good evening my brother. I saw the video you made and how many followers you pulled for me. As at this moment I have received an invitation to Police HQ to come for an interview because I have been reported for cyberstalking, fraud, mischief and so on,” Love wrote.
The allegations cyberstalking, fraud, and mischief are criminal charges that, if pursued, could result in prosecution under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 and other relevant laws.
Udu said he had advised the creator to maintain communication with him as public interest in the case grew.
“I have told this lady to keep in touch with me because a lot of Nigerians want to see how it goes,” Udu stated.
As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement confirming or clarifying the reported invitation.