The demolition of Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, popularly known as La Cruise Hotel, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has sparked fresh controversy.
The hotel owner has strongly denied allegations by state authorities that the property was used as a hub for kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The demolition, carried out on Saturday, January 27, 2025, by Anambra State’s security outfit, followed claims by authorities that the hotel housed over 30 graves, a shrine, military camouflage, arms, and ammunition.
State Government’s Allegations
The state government released a statement via its New Media account detailing the operation.
“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!”
According to officials, intelligence gathering and a tip-off from a whistleblower led to the raid and subsequent demolition. Authorities alleged the premises served as a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Hotel Owner Denies Allegations
The hotel owner, identified as Udoka, refuted the claims in a phone interview with journalists, insisting the so-called graves were actually fish ponds.
He explained:
“The hotel has never been involved in kidnapping. Those things they are calling graves were partitioned fish ponds. The top floor was converted into a fish pond before I acquired the property. The fish pond was meant for easy oversight of fish for barbecue at the hotel’s bar.”
Udoka alleged that disputes over the property’s sale led to attempts to discredit him, stating, “Some interested parties were upset about the sale and, when their revocation attempts failed, started fabricating troubles for me.”
He also expressed frustration over the demolition, saying he was not informed beforehand and only learned about it after the building was destroyed. Udoka described himself as a legitimate businessman dealing in motor parts and real estate, adding that traders in the community could vouch for his integrity.
State Government’s Response
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, dismissed Udoka’s defense, questioning the logic of situating fish ponds and shrines on a hotel’s top floor.
“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.
The commissioner also addressed concerns about the impact of the demolition on investor confidence, saying:
“It’s better not to have kidnappers lurking everywhere in our state.”
Community Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
While the demolition has divided public opinion, some community members have called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. The hotel owner has reportedly lodged a complaint with the police in Awka to challenge the allegations and the demolition.
As the case unfolds, it highlights tensions between efforts to maintain security in Anambra State and concerns about due process and the rights of property owners.
