More than 30 people described as suspected commercial sex workers have been arrested in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, following a joint enforcement operation at an unapproved building allegedly operating as a guest house, where substances suspected to be illicit drugs were reportedly discovered.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday by officials led by the Commissioner for Capital City Development and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, alongside the Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, security operatives and members of the ministry’s task force.
The state government said the operation followed security concerns surrounding activities at the facility, which officials described as an unauthorised establishment raising public safety concerns.
Speaking with journalists during an inspection of the premises, Idike said the presence of occupants reportedly drawn from different states had raised concerns about the activities taking place at the building.
“The presence of individuals reportedly drawn from different states within an unapproved facility raises critical security and public safety concerns for the area,” the commissioner said.
He added that enforcement officers discovered substances suspected to be hard drugs during the operation.
According to the commissioner, the items included wrappers containing substances described as “Colos” and Indian hemp. The substances were reportedly seized by security operatives for further investigation.
The authorities have not disclosed the results of any forensic examination to establish the composition of the seized substances.
Ebonyi Orders Immediate Sealing of Guest House
Following the operation, Idike ordered the immediate and indefinite sealing of the facility pending compliance with the state’s development and urban planning regulations.
He said the government would not tolerate the construction or operation of buildings without the necessary approvals, particularly where their use raised concerns about public safety.
The commissioner warned property developers and building owners against violating the state’s planning requirements, stressing that structures within the capital city must comply with approved development plans and applicable regulations.
“Property developers and building owners must obtain necessary approvals from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning before commencing construction or operations,” he said.
“The government will not tolerate the use of unapproved buildings for activities that jeopardize public peace,” Idike added.
He also summoned the property owner to appear before the ministry and explain the circumstances surrounding the building’s operation.
As of the time the report was filed, the owner had yet to be located, according to the information provided by the authorities.
Internal Security Commissioner Warns Against Criminal Hideouts
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, said the state government remained committed to protecting residents and preventing business premises from being used for criminal activities.
Ude said the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru would continue working with security agencies to identify and address locations considered potential threats to public safety.
“Our primary mandate is to guarantee the security and protection of all residents in Ebonyi State. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, this administration will not allow any premises to become a haven for criminal activities,” he said.
He urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance of commercial establishments across Abakaliki to prevent the misuse of business premises.
“I urge our security agencies to intensify surveillance on commercial establishments across Abakaliki to prevent criminal elements from exploiting business premises to compromise public safety,” Ude stated.
The commissioner also emphasised the importance of cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement personnel and members of the public in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
“Collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and the public remains vital,” he added.
Suspects Remain Under Investigation
According to the information provided by the authorities, the arrested individuals remained in police custody as investigations continued into the circumstances surrounding the facility and the substances reportedly recovered there.
Security operatives were also continuing efforts to locate the property’s owner.
However, the allegations against the arrested individuals have not been established in court. Their arrest does not, by itself, prove involvement in criminal activity, and the substances reportedly seized would need to be properly identified as part of the investigation.
The authorities have yet to provide further details on whether any formal charges have been filed, the identities of the suspects or the specific offences being investigated.
The operation forms part of the Ebonyi State Government’s stated efforts to enforce urban planning regulations and address security concerns within Abakaliki.
Further details from the police or relevant state agencies are expected to clarify the outcome of the investigation and any legal action that may follow.
