Hoteliers in Edo State, under the platform of the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum, have blamed their dwindling revenues on what they described as the indiscriminate arrest of suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the state.

The chairman of the forum, Omogiade Edokpolor, raised the concern on Wednesday in Benin City, alleging that the EFCC’s recent operations have caused panic among guests and driven customers to neighbouring states.

According to him, while the association supports the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime, its members are alarmed by the manner in which operatives allegedly raid hotels without search warrants or prior notification to management.

“We are not against the EFCC doing their job. But when they storm our facilities without warrants, it causes panic among innocent guests. If the EFCC intends to make arrests on our premises, they should come with a warrant and carry the management along. We are willing to cooperate,” Edokpolor said.

Edokpolor alleged that 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested on Sunday during coordinated raids across several hotels in the state and have since been denied access to their lawyers.

He claimed the frequent operations have forced many patrons to take their businesses to nearby states, leading to billions of naira in losses for the hospitality industry.

The association further called on the EFCC national leadership to transfer the current Edo Zonal Commander, accusing him of conducting “illegal crackdowns” on young people without legal backing.

“Business owners are among the most law-abiding citizens in this state. We are ready to partner with the EFCC to ensure that genuine operations are done lawfully,” Edokpolor added.

A recent update from the EFCC confirmed that 92 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested during a sting operation on Monday, September 29, 2025, at various locations within Benin City.

According to a statement by the Commission, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to computer-related crimes. “All lawful procedures of arrest were followed in the course of the operation,” the EFCC said.

The agency added that 11 vehicles and several mobile devices were recovered from the suspects, noting that preliminary investigations linked them to various forms of internet-related fraud.

The Commission also disclosed that the suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded. (The PUNCH)