EDO HOTELIERS BLAME REVENUE DECLINE ON EFCC RAIDS, CALL FOR TRANSFER OF ZONAL COMMANDER

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Hoteliers in Edo State have accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of causing a sharp decline in patronage through what they described as indiscriminate raids on hotels in Benin City.

Speaking under the aegis of the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum, chairman Omogiade Edokpolor said on Wednesday that the operations have created panic among guests, forcing many to take their business to neighbouring states.

Edokpolor stressed that while hoteliers support the EFCC’s mandate to curb cybercrime, the alleged practice of storming hotels without warrants or notifying management was hurting legitimate businesses.

“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. We are willing to cooperate,” he said.

The forum further demanded the transfer of the EFCC Edo Zonal Commander, accusing him of spearheading “illegal crackdowns” on young people.

Meanwhile, the EFCC confirmed in a statement that 92 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested during a sting operation on September 29 across Benin City. The agency said 11 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered and insisted that “all lawful procedures of arrest were followed.”

The Commission added that the suspects, linked to various cybercrimes, would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.