By Anamati Inyang
RismadarVoice Media
The collaboration recently proposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen the fight against financial crimes in Edo State has suffered a major setback, following a wave of protests by hotel owners over large-scale raids carried out in Benin City.
The tension intensified after operatives of the EFCC arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters during coordinated operations across several hotels in the state. The Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF), Edo State chapter, condemned the raids, alleging that EFCC officials stormed the facilities without search warrants and disrupted business activities.
Chairman of the Forum, Omogiade Edokpolor, described the operations as “high-handed and economically damaging,” claiming that the raids led to significant financial losses running into billions of naira, as customers increasingly avoid hotels for fear of sudden incursions.
Edokpolor further accused EFCC operatives of breaking into rooms, frightening guests and damaging the reputation of the hospitality sector. He added that the Forum is demanding the immediate redeployment of the EFCC Zonal Commander in Benin, alleging that his style of enforcement undermines business operations and violates procedural norms.
In response to the backlash, the EFCC disclosed that 20 of the 94 suspects arrested have been released, while investigations continue for the remaining 74. The Commission defended its methods, insisting that all operations were lawful.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewole, argued that the Commission’s operatives do not require separate search warrants for such arrests, stating that their identification cards serve as lawful instruments under the EFCC Establishment Act. He reaffirmed that the agency focuses on suspects involved in fraudulent activities, regardless of their location.
The controversy stands in contrast to the EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s earlier appeal to hoteliers for closer collaboration, during a courtesy visit by the BHSF on November 20, 2025. Olukoyede had emphasized the importance of due diligence and encouraged hotel operators to promptly report suspicious activity, assuring them of the Commission’s professionalism and openness to partnership.
However, the recent raids have strained relations between both parties, with hoteliers insisting that while they support efforts to curb financial crimes, enforcement must respect legal procedures and protect legitimate businesses.
