Nigeria News

Owner of demolished Anambra hotel defends property, claims fish ponds were mistaken for graves

Fresh controversies have erupted over the demolition of Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, popularly known as La Cruise Hotel, located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The owner of the hotel has rejected claims made by state authorities that the establishment was a hub for kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The demolition took place on Saturday, January 27, 2025, carried out by operatives of Anambra State’s security outfit. Authorities allege that over 30 graves, a shrine, and military camouflage, along with arms and ammunition, were uncovered during the raid on the premises.

Anambra State’s government issued a statement through its New Media account, claiming that the hotel was a front for criminal operations. The statement reads:
“Oba, Idemili South LGA! Demolition of kidnappers’ den disguised as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, a.k.a. ‘La Cruise Hotel’, along Onitsha-Owerri Road. The hotel has well-partitioned graves of over 30 on the last floor with a shrine!”

The authorities maintain that intelligence gathered from a whistleblower and ongoing investigations led to the raid, which allegedly uncovered evidence of criminal activity, including kidnappers using the hotel as a hideout.

Hotel Owner Denies Allegations, Calls Claims “Baseless”
In response to these allegations, the hotel owner, known simply as Udoka, has vehemently denied any connection to criminal activities. Speaking to journalists on Monday, he described the alleged graves as nothing more than partitioned fish ponds.

“The hotel has never been involved in kidnapping. Those things they are calling graves were partitioned fish ponds,” Udoka said. “I bought the property from the original owner, who built it as it is, and the top floor was converted into a fish pond before I acquired it.”

Udoka clarified that the fish pond was designed to be visible for easy management, with the fish intended to be served at the hotel’s bar for barbecue. He also claimed that since purchasing the hotel, some parties have been trying to undermine him and reverse the sale, resorting to fabricating issues.

The hotel owner also stated that he was unaware of the demolition until after the building had been destroyed. “I borrowed money to purchase the hotel and have not even repaid the loan. If the hotel had been closed and investigated, the truth would have been revealed,” he added.

He further expressed that he was in Awka since Sunday, intending to report the matter to the police. Udoka described himself as a legitimate businessman involved in motor parts, land, and property deals, claiming that local traders could vouch for his character.

Government Responds: Fish Ponds “Unlikely in Hotels”
Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, dismissed Udoka’s claims, questioning the plausibility of fish ponds being situated inside a hotel. He emphasized the illogical nature of such an arrangement, especially when considering health concerns. “Fish ponds and shrines on the hotel’s top floor? Even for health reasons, is such an arrangement logical? Where are the fish if it’s a pond? Why is he hiding?” Mefor asked.

Responding to concerns that the demolition might discourage investment, Mefor asserted that the state was prioritizing safety and public security. “My brother, it’s better not to have kidnappers lurking everywhere in our state,” he concluded.

The demolition and the conflicting narratives surrounding it have sparked debate over the balance between security measures and protecting legitimate businesses in the region.

Agbenu James

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