The hotel owner has denied claims by state authorities that the property was used as a hub for kidnapping and criminal activities.
Authorities alleged that over 30 graves, a shrine, military camouflage, arms, and ammunition were discovered within the premises.
The state government, through its New Media account, released a statement explaining how the operation was discovered
“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 statement read.
According to officials, intelligence gathering and a tip-off from a whistleblower led to the raid on the premises, which allegedly doubled as a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Reacting to the allegations, the hotel owner, Mr Udoka, denied any connection to criminal activities.
Speaking to journalists Mr Udoka said…, that the so-called graves were, in fact, partitioned fishponds.
“The hotel has never been involved in kidnapping. Those things they are calling graves were partitioned fishponds. 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.”
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