Hoteliers in Edo State have raised alarm over what they describe as heavy financial losses caused by frequent raids on their establishments by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking under the umbrella of the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum, the group’s chairman, Omogiade Edokpolor, said on Wednesday in Benin City that the clampdowns, which target suspected internet fraudsters, have driven away customers and forced many patrons to seek alternatives in neighbouring states.
While acknowledging the Commission’s mandate to combat cybercrime, Edokpolor criticised the manner of the operations.
“We are not against the EFCC doing their job. But when they storm our facilities without warrants, it causes panic among innocent guests. If the EFCC intends to make arrests on our premises, they should come with a warrant and carry the management along,” he said.
He alleged that during coordinated operations on Sunday, 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested in hotels across the state and have since been denied access to their lawyers. The hoteliers said the repeated raids have cost the hospitality sector “billions of naira” in lost revenue.
The forum also called for the transfer of the EFCC’s Edo Zonal Commander, accusing him of conducting “illegal crackdowns” on young people without due process.
In response, the EFCC confirmed in a statement that 92 suspects were apprehended on Monday, September 29, during sting operations in Benin City. The agency said the arrests were based on credible intelligence and insisted that “all lawful procedures of arrest were followed.”
The anti-graft body disclosed that 11 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered from the suspects, adding that they would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Despite the EFCC’s clarification, hoteliers maintain that the style of enforcement is hurting legitimate businesses.
“Business owners are among the most law-abiding citizens in this state. We are ready to partner with the EFCC to ensure that genuine operations are done lawfully,” Edokpolor stressed.
The development has reignited debate over the balance between law enforcement and the protection of businesses in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
