Edo hoteliers cry out over loss of billions of naira, blame EFCC on diminished revenue


By Elvis Omoregie

A group, Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) said they have lost several billions of naira due to the inordinate arrest of suspected internet fraudsters in their facilities by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Edo State command.

Omogiade Edokpolor, Chairman of the association, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operations of the anti-graft agency in the state.

Edokpolor said the association is not against the EFCC doing their jobs, but the management of the facilities they are raiding should be notified so that they can have their operations done smoothly.

According to him, the way and manner the agency storms their facilities without a Search Warrant to raid the suspected internet fraudsters has a way of striking fears and panic into the minds of other guests who have come to use their facilities.

He alleged that 93 suspected internet fraudsters were on Sunday, cracked down by the agency in the various hotels in the state and have not been released neither were they allowed to gain access to their lawyers.

Edokpolor said the constant raiding of their facilities have forced the youths who hitherto patronized their facilities to leave the state for neighbouring states.

He said they have further carried out their findings to know if the EFCC operates in other states the same manner they do in Edo State but to their greatest amazement, they don’t.

He said consequent upon the incessant raid on their facilities, they have resolved thus “EFCC should release the 93 illegal Edo youths that have been detained in an unknown destination at this point.

“That, should there be any sort of arrest that the EFCC has decided to do in any of our businesses in our Edo state, they should come with a legal warrant and carry the management of that facility along with their warrant and the purpose of their being there.

Reacting to the allegations, the agency spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said that the EFCC carries out its operations within the ambit of the law and has not run contrary to it.

He said the association is not in position to tell them how they are to carry out their operations adding that before they carry out their operations, thorough investigations are usually done.




Popular posts from this blog

NBM of Africa Raises Alarm Over Child Abductions, Calls for Urgent Action Against Insecurity

Image
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin  The leadership of the NBM of Africa Worldwide has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of child abductions and worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the nation's future and overall development. In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Dr. Charles Chimezie, the Pan-African organisation condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers who abduct children and allegedly expose them to exploitation within criminal networks, describing the development as a direct attack on the country's collective future. The organisation's reaction comes amid increasing cases of kidnappings across various parts of the country, including the recent abduction of 45 teachers and students in Oyo State by suspected bandits, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and vulnerable communities. According to Dr. Chimezie, every child taken away f...
Read more

Stop proposed Caretaker Committee inauguration, Edo assembly tells NLC president

Image
By  Elvis Omoregie, Benin  Edo State House of Assembly yesterday passed a resolution calling on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to shelve the proposed leadership change of the present NLC Exco in Edo State.  The resolution which a motion raised by the Majority leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu following reports of a planned inauguration of a caretaker committee in the state. Presenting the motion Hon. Ibhamawu, said there is a harmonious labour force devoid of strife under the leadership of  Comrade Bernard Eguakhide and that the  action of Joe Ajaero can cause bridge of peace in Edo State.  He said the change of the present Exco should be done at the end of their tenure to guarantee a peaceful and harmonious working environment.   Other lawmakers supported the motion stating that the proposed leadership change of the present Exco in Edo State should be put on hold in the Interest of peace and harmony. In...
Read more

Ologbo Traditional Leadership: Chief Iyase Rejects Purported Installation of Olare-Aja

Image
By Elvis Omoregie  The Okao Nore-Guae overseeing Ologbo, Ehor and Okhuoromi communities in Edo State, Chief Emma Iyase, has warned against what he described as efforts to establish a parallel traditional authority in Ologbo, rejecting the reported installation of Pa Johnson Obubu Itoto as the Olare-Aja of the community. Speaking on the development, Chief Iyase said the installation, reportedly carried out on May 30, 2026, was unknown to Benin customs and traditions and constituted a violation of the recognized traditional authority structure of the Benin Kingdom. According to him, Ologbo remains an integral part of the Benin traditional institution, and matters concerning traditional leadership, chieftaincy titles and community governance must align with the customs, laws and established practices of the kingdom. “Any installation conducted outside the recognised traditional structures and procedures cannot enjoy legitimacy within the community,” he stated. Chief Iyase ...
Read more