Demolished hotel not used for kidnapping – Owner

Fresh facts have emerged regarding the demolished hotel in the Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the property’s owner has insisted it was not used for kidnapping or other “nefarious activities,” contrary to the claims made by authorities.

The property, officially registered as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, but popularly known as La Cruise Hotel, located along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, was reportedly demolished on Saturday after operatives of the newly established state security outfit uncovered over 30 graves and a shrine within the premises.

According to the authorities, the building, allegedly operating under the guise of a hotel, was exposed following a whistleblower’s tip-off and intelligence gathering.

PUNCH Online reports that palpable tension has gripped the Oba community since the state’s security outfit uncovered the graves, a shrine, military camouflage, arms, and cartridges within the hotel.

During the demolition, security operatives and local authorities revealed the discovery of over 30 well-partitioned graves located on both the top floor and ground floor of the structure, alongside a shrine.

A statement shared via the Anambra State New Media X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday alleged the hotel, known as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, was a hub for kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The statement read, “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!”

However, speaking to journalists over the phone on Monday, the hotel’s owner, identified simply as Udoka, denied the allegations, insisting the structure was never used for kidnapping. He claimed that what was described as “graves” were actually partitioned fish ponds.

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

“The fish pond was designed to allow easy oversight of the fish and for them to be used at the hotel’s bar for barbecue. Since I purchased the property, some interested parties have been upset and wanted to revoke the sale. When that failed, they started manufacturing troubles for me.”

Udoka added that he had not been contacted about the demolition and only learned of it after the building was destroyed. He stated, “I borrowed money to purchase the hotel and have not even repaid the loan. If the hotel had been closed and an investigation carried out, the truth would have been revealed.”

The owner also mentioned he was in Awka since Sunday to report the matter to the police.

He described himself as a legitimate businessman dealing in motor parts, land, and property, and claimed traders in the community could vouch for him.

When contacted, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, refuted Udoka’s claims, stating that a fish pond could not be situated inside a hotel.

“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 could discourage investors, Mefor said, “My brother, it’s better not to have kidnappers lurking everywhere in our state.”