Ebonyi Seals Abakaliki Guest House, Arrests Over 30 Suspects in Drug Crackdown

………Government cites security concerns, building violations as commissioners 

….warn property owners against illegal activities

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Government has sealed Jimoh Guest House in Abakaliki, the state capital, following an enforcement operation that led to the arrest of more than 30 persons and the recovery of substances suspected to be hard drugs.

The operation, which involved the Ministries of Capital City and Urban Planning and Internal Security, security operatives and members of the ministry’s task force, was conducted as part of efforts to address alleged illegal activities and enforce urban planning regulations in the state capital.

The facility was reportedly sealed over security concerns, suspected unlawful activities and alleged use of a building for guest house operations without the necessary approvals from the relevant government authorities.

Speaking to journalists during the operation, the Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, expressed concern over the alleged activities at the premises, stressing the need to protect residents and maintain public safety.

Idike explained that the inspection was part of the state government’s efforts to ensure that buildings within Abakaliki complied with approved development plans and were used for purposes authorized by the relevant authorities.

He disclosed that substances suspected to be hard drugs, including materials allegedly identified as Colos and Indian hemp, were recovered during the operation.

According to him, the suspected substances were handed over to security operatives for further investigation, while the individuals arrested during the exercise were taken into police custody for questioning.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s determination to prevent the use of unapproved buildings for activities that could compromise public safety, security and the orderly development of the state capital.

He urged property developers, landlords and building owners to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning before commencing construction or converting existing buildings to other uses.

Idike warned that the government would continue to enforce relevant regulations and take appropriate action against property owners who failed to comply with established building and urban planning requirements.

He subsequently ordered the indefinite sealing of Jimoh Guest House pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding its operations and the resolution of outstanding regulatory issues. 

The facility’s owner was also directed to report to the ministry to explain the situation and address the alleged violations.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across Ebonyi State.

Ude warned that the government would not tolerate business premises being used as havens for criminal activities or becoming potential threats to the safety and security of residents.

He said the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru was determined to sustain peace and security across the state, adding that security agencies had been encouraged to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of establishments suspected of engaging in unlawful activities.

The commissioner also called for greater cooperation among government ministries, security agencies, property owners and members of the public to identify and address potential security threats before they escalate into serious incidents.

As of the time of filing this report, more than 30 persons had reportedly been taken into police custody for questioning, while the whereabouts of the guest house owner remained unknown. 

The identities of the arrested individuals and the outcome of the investigations had not been made public.

The operation underscores the Ebonyi State Government’s ongoing efforts to enforce building regulations, strengthen urban planning compliance and address security concerns in Abakaliki. 

However, the allegations against the facility and the individuals arrested remain subject to investigation, and no determination of criminal responsibility had been reported as of press time.