The recent demolition of Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also known as La Cruise Hotel, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has sparked a wave of controversy.
State authorities have accused the hotel of being a hideout for kidnappers and other criminal activities, but the hotel owner, identified only as Udoka, has vehemently denied these claims.
The demolition, carried out by operatives of Anambra’s security outfit on Saturday, January 27, 2025, followed allegations that over 30 graves, a shrine, military camouflage, and weapons were found on the property.
A statement released by the state government via its New Media account detailed the operation, that led to the discovery.
“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, identified simply as Udoka, denied any connection to criminal activities.
Speaking to journalists over the phone on Monday, he claimed that the so-called graves were, in fact, partitioned fish ponds.
He said, “The hotel has never been involved in kidnapping. Those things they are calling graves were partitioned fish ponds. 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.”
Udoka added that he had not been contacted about the demolition and only learned of it after the building was destroyed.
He stated, “I borrowed money to purchase the hotel and have not even repaid the loan. If the hotel had been closed and an investigation carried out, the truth would have been revealed.”
The owner also mentioned he was in Awka since Sunday to report the matter to the police.
He described himself as a legitimate businessman dealing in motor parts, land, and property, and claimed traders in the community could vouch for him.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor in a chat with Punch refuted Udoka’s claims, stating that a fish pond could not be situated inside a hotel.
“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.
Responding to concerns that the demolition could discourage investors, Mefor said, “My brother, it’s better not to have kidnappers lurking everywhere in our state.”