Hotel operators in Edo State, under the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum, have blamed declining revenues on what they described as indiscriminate raids by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman, Omogiade Edokpolor, alleged that the recent EFCC operations have created panic among guests, forcing customers to take their business to neighbouring states.
Edokpolor said while hoteliers support the Commission’s fight against cybercrime, members are disturbed by the manner in which raids are allegedly carried out without search warrants or prior notice to hotel management.
“We are not against the EFCC doing their job. But when they storm our facilities without warrants, it creates 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.
He alleged that 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested during coordinated raids on Sunday across several hotels in the state and have been denied access to their lawyers. According to him, the frequent crackdowns have caused billions of naira in losses for the hospitality industry.
The association further demanded the redeployment of the EFCC Zonal Commander in Edo, accusing him of carrying out “illegal crackdowns” on youths without proper legal backing. “Business owners are among the most law-abiding citizens in this state. We are ready to partner with the EFCC to ensure genuine operations are done lawfully,” Edokpolor added.
However, the EFCC, in a statement, confirmed that 92 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested on Monday, September 29, 2025, in Benin City during a sting operation.
The Commission said the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to cybercrime, adding that “all lawful procedures of arrest were followed in the course of the operation.” It disclosed that 11 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered from the suspects and assured they would be charged to court after investigations.
ADEOLA KUNLE
