The owner of Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, popularly known as La Cruise Hotel, has refuted allegations by state authorities that the property was a hub for kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The demolition of the hotel, located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has sparked fresh controversies.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 27, 2025, when operatives of Anambra State’s security outfit carried out the operation. Authorities alleged that over 30 graves, a shrine, military camouflage, arms, and ammunition were discovered within the hotel premises.
The state government, through its New Media account, released a statement detailing the operation.
“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 property, which they claimed doubled as a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Hotel Owner Denies Allegations
Reacting to the claims, the hotel owner, identified simply as Udoka, denied any connection to criminal activities. Speaking to journalists over the phone on Monday, he described the alleged graves as partitioned fish ponds.
“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,” Udoka explained.
He further noted that the fish pond was designed to allow easy oversight of the fish and for their use 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,” he added.
Udoka claimed that he was not informed about the demolition and only learned of it after the building was destroyed.
“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,” he lamented.
The hotel owner stated that he had traveled to Awka on Sunday to report the matter to the police. He described himself as a legitimate businessman dealing in motor parts, land, and property, adding that traders in the community could vouch for his integrity.
Government’s Position
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, refuted Udoka’s claims, insisting 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 questioned.
Addressing concerns that the demolition could deter investors, Mefor responded, “My brother, it’s better not to have kidnappers lurking everywhere in our state.”
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