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EFCC Raid on Joyous Hotel Sparks Outcry Over Due Process and Civil Rights

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By David Torough, Abuja

A series of armed raids conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Joyous Hotel in Nyanya, Abuja, has raised troubling legal and ethical questions about due process, property rights, and the limits of the Commission’s powers.

Hotel staff and the owner alleged that the EFCC broke into the premises without clear identification, destroyed property, assaulted workers, and carted away equipment critical to business operations—all while operating under what they describe as a veil of unmarked uniforms and unannounced authority.

According to the EFCC, the operation on June 30, 2025, was based on “actionable intelligence” suggesting the presence of cybercrime suspects at the premises.

In a terse statement, the Commission confirmed that 74 individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in internet fraud. The Commission also stated that 86 mobile phones, a pistol, and three motorcycles were recovered during the operation and that the suspects would be charged in court in due course.

However, interviews with multiple staff of Joyous Hotel, conducted separately and corroborated by the hotel’s owner, paint a disturbing picture that suggests procedural irregularities and potential violations of civil and commercial rights.

Vivian Azubuike, a supervisor at the hotel, recounted how men stormed the premises around 2 a.m., forced their way into the control room, seized CCTV footage, broke down doors, and physically assaulted employees.

“That very night around 2a.m in the morning, being 28th of April, 2025, I was inside my room that early morning, sleeping. I heard noise from the upper floor.

“In the upper floor, a lady was fighting with a guest. I heard the noise, I came out. I asked my security to go and bring the lady out and take her out.

“When my security was about to open the door, a group of men, dragged themselves out. They came inside the hotel.

“They came to my reception and dragged the key from my hand to enter our control room and they took our record, our CCTV record and they went upstairs and broke two doors and they classified themselves as EFCC.

“They broke three doors. They took two persons away and they took our CCTV recording. And they slapped my quarter too.” Azubuike said.

Another staff member, Apeh Monday, echoed the same account, stating that the operatives “They came in and they were not in uniform. To show, the type of people that came in.

“I was afraid when they came in and immediately, they got into the reception and then, slapped the porter immediately. Because the porter was asking, where are you going to? And then they pushed the porter and they slapped him.

“They went ahead to the upstairs and started breaking the doors. They went to the power room also. They broke the door and scattered the camera.

“Right from the gate, they started opening, removing the cameras from the gate to the reception. They removed the reception camera also.

“I was now saying, ah, what is happening? One of them said they are EFCC, and before I knew it, they went up, broke the door, started bringing people from inside their rooms and somebody jumped through the window, was thinking that it’s a thief that invaded the place”, Apeh narrated.

These testimonies raise important legal questions about the standard procedure for conducting arrests and searches, particularly in private establishments like hotels. Under Nigerian law, law enforcement agencies are required to present a warrant when entering private property—except in exigent circumstances, such as the immediate pursuit of a fleeing suspect. In this case, neither the hotel staff nor the owner reported being shown any warrant or legal authorization for the raid.

The hotel’s owner, Mr. Gabriel Ogwuche Ogah, has taken the matter to court, challenging both the legality and the manner of the operation. “We pay our taxes. We are registered under the Nasarawa State Government, not the FCT. We have not committed any known offense to warrant this kind of destruction,” he said. Ogah also questioned the EFCC’s claim that a firearm was recovered from the premises. “If it was truly recovered here, let them show us the footage,” he said. “They took all our CCTV machines. One was hidden and captured armed men, but they took the rest.”

One of the more serious allegations is the physical damage to property—including broken doors, damaged control systems, and the alleged disappearance of customers’ and workers’ personal belongings. If true, these actions may amount to unlawful destruction of property and theft under Nigerian criminal law. The EFCC’s mandate, while broad, does not exempt its operatives from civil or criminal liability for such actions.

There is also the matter of evidentiary integrity. By confiscating all CCTV footage and records without providing a receipt or allowing the hotel to retain a copy, the EFCC not only disrupted business operations but also deprived the hotel of its own evidence. Without the footage, the hotel is unable to confirm who was arrested, whether the raid was confined to its premises, or whether the alleged firearm and motorcycles were actually discovered there.

The Commission’s brief statement fails to address these critical concerns. It does not state whether a warrant was obtained, whether the operatives formally identified themselves, or whether force was used proportionately. The lack of transparency leaves room for speculation—including concerns about mistaken identity, wrongful targeting, and possible abuse of power.

From a legal standpoint, the EFCC’s reported removal of evidence (CCTV equipment and records), forced entry without uniformed officers or warrants, and alleged physical assault of staff could lead to civil litigation and criminal scrutiny. Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the privacy of homes and correspondence, while the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) outlines the proper procedures for search and arrest. Any deviation without just cause may constitute a violation.

The implications of these events extend beyond legal interpretation. For residents of Abuja and hotel operators across Nigeria, the raid signals a potential threat to business confidence and personal security. If operatives indeed acted without uniforms or warrants and seized evidence without documentation, the pressing question becomes: how can one differentiate between an authorized government operation and criminal impersonation?

There is also the issue of reputational damage. The EFCC publicly linked the hotel’s name to cybercrime and criminality. But Ogah insists that guests were not screened before the arrests and that the hotel maintains a structured security protocol involving bag checks and metal detectors. “How can I know that the people they arrested were truly our guests?” he asked. “Some of our customers pay monthly. Now they have fled and taken our money. We cannot even close our account for that day.”

At the heart of the matter lies the tension between law enforcement efficiency and procedural fairness. While the EFCC is empowered to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, it is bound by established rules of engagement. Whether the operation at Joyous Hotel constitutes lawful enforcement or an overreach will ultimately be determined in court.

Until then, one thing is clear: the raid has not only left a hotel in ruins—it has ignited a national conversation about accountability, legal oversight, and the balance between state security and individual rights in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against cybercrime.

All efforts to get further responses from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale failed as he did not respond to calls or text messages sent to him.

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NEWS

Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

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By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper, as a monumental loss to the Newspaper, journalism profession and to the entire nation.The Minister said with the death of Usigbe, Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike.

In condolence message on Saturday, Idris said he received news of the death of Tribune Newspaper Bureau Chief with profound shock and deep sadness.”Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape.
His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.”I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” Idris said.On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and himself , the Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates. He prayed the God Almighty to comfort those the late Bureau Chief left behind and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

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Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

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By David Torough, Abuja

Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make significant strides in academic excellence and community impact.

In a bold move to increase accessibility and reward excellence, the school has unveiled a new examination centre in Oju Local Government Area, launched a scholarship scheme for families with multiple children in the school, and honoured a distinguished alumnus, Dr.

Mark Ogbodo, by naming a recreational facility after him.

The newly inaugurated Dr. Mark Ogbodo Park was officially commissioned on July 24, during a colourful ceremony held at the school’s New GRA campus in Makurdi.

The event drew an impressive turnout of students, staff, parents, alumni, and dignitaries.

Chairman of Unique Schools and co-founder of USSM, Engr. Felix Atume led the commissioning, describing it as a tribute to dedication and impact.

Dr. Ogbodo, an author and founder of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, was visibly moved by the honour.

In a social media post after the event, he wrote: “Who am I to deserve this great honour? What impact have I made on USSM? These thoughts flooded my mind as I stood speechless in awe.”

He praised the school leadership, particularly Principal Mr. Samuel Ortsega, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the recognition.

Also unveiled at the event was a scholarship programme aimed at easing the financial burden on families with more than one child enrolled at USSM.

The initiative was met with excitement and gratitude from parents in attendance. Furthermore, the newly established Oju exam centre was widely applauded for eliminating the long travel often required for external examinations, especially for students living in remote areas.

Founded on September 1, 1998, by Engr. Atume and Mrs. Juliana Atume, a noted philanthropist, USSM has built a strong reputation for nurturing students through academic rigor and character development.

Originally a day school, it added a boarding facility in 2007 to cater to growing demand. Situated in a serene environment, the school provides a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning.

USSM is part of the larger Unique Schools family, which began with Unique Nursery and Primary School in 1995.

The secondary arm offers a comprehensive curriculum infused with entrepreneurial and vocational training in areas such as catering, fashion, cosmetology, and design—preparing students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.

The school boasts modern infrastructure, including science laboratories, an ICT centre, a digital library, spacious classrooms, quality boarding facilities, a healthcare unit, and the expansive Engr. Felix Atume Hall. Recreational amenities include courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a football pitch, and indoor games like chess and scrabble.

In keeping with global trends, USSM has embraced digital innovations such as an online result-checking system and is planning an enhanced presence on social media.

The school runs a three-term calendar and prepares students for key national examinations including BECE, WAEC, and NECO.

Ambitious plans are underway to launch Unique Technical College, which will focus on technical and vocational education.

As the evening of July 24 transitioned into a celebratory dinner in honour of the 2025 graduating class, guests—including PTA members, parents, alumni, and staff—shared heartfelt goodwill messages. The PTA Chairman described the event as “unparalleled in the school’s history.”

Through initiatives like the Oju centre, new scholarships, and the celebration of alumni impact, Unique Secondary School Makurdi continues to set the benchmark for holistic and community-rooted education in Benue State.

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Foreign News

Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine – days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.

Kyiv’s Western partners had also expressed serious concerns over the legislation.

On Thursday, Zelensky seemed to backtrack, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.

He said the text of the bill was “balanced”, but did not provide any details.

The law passed earlier this week brought Nabu and Sap under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.

At the time Zelensky justified his decision to curtail the bodies’ powers by citing Russian influence. The day before, Ukraine’s security services had carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at the agency.

The passing of the legislation instantly sparked the largest protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 in several cities across Ukraine, with many worrying the law would severely undermine the Nabu and Sap’s authority and effectiveness.

Thousands of people gathered in streets and squares across Ukraine, holding placards calling for the legislation to be vetoed.

Several commentators accused Zelensky of democratic backsliding. Their concerns were further exacerbated when Ukraine’s Western partners signalled their displeasure with the bill.

Ukraine has official EU candidate status and a spokesman for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously warned Kyiv that the rule of law and the fight against corruption were “core elements” of membership to the bloc.

On Thursday, the Commission said it “welcomed” the Ukrainian government’s decision to take action against the bill.

“We are working [with the Ukrainian government] to make sure that our concerns… are indeed taken into account,” the spokesman said.

Nabu and Sap were created in 2014-15 as one of the requirements set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund to move towards a relaxation of visa restrictions between Ukraine and the EU.

Writing on Facebook, opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko noted Zelensky said that “the independence of anti-corruption institutions must be guaranteed.”

“First we take it away, and then we say that it must be guaranteed. So why was all this necessary?”

In his message on social media on Thursday, Zelensky did not acknowledge the protests or the backlash but said it was “important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.”

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