Hoteliers in Edo State have expressed concern over what they described as indiscriminate raids by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying the actions are driving away customers and crippling the hospitality industry.
Speaking under the umbrella of the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum, the chairman, Omogiade Edokpolor, raised the alarm at a press briefing in Benin City on Wednesday. He said recent EFCC operations had sparked panic among guests and forced many patrons to take their business to neighbouring states, resulting in significant revenue losses.
According to Edokpolor, while hoteliers support the EFCC’s mandate to fight cybercrime, the manner of its operations is damaging 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.
Edokpolor alleged that on Sunday, operatives arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters during coordinated raids across several hotels in the state. He further claimed that the suspects had been denied access to legal representation since their arrest.
He warned that if the raids continue unchecked, Edo’s hospitality industry could lose billions of naira in revenue, with ripple effects on jobs and the local economy.
The forum also called for the transfer of the EFCC Zonal Commander in Edo, accusing him of conducting “illegal crackdowns” on young people and overstepping legal procedures.
“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 added.
In its response, the EFCC confirmed the arrest of 92 suspected internet fraudsters during a sting operation in Benin City on Monday, September 29, 2025.
In a statement, the Commission said the arrests were made “following credible intelligence linking the suspects to computer-related crimes.” It added that 11 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered, while preliminary investigations indicated involvement in internet-related fraud.
The EFCC maintained that due process was followed during the raids. “All lawful procedures of arrest were followed in the course of the operation,” the statement read. The agency further disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The development has sparked debate in Edo, with hoteliers insisting that EFCC’s approach threatens investor confidence in the state’s hospitality sector, while anti-corruption advocates argue that tough measures are needed to curb cybercrime.