Authorities in Ebonyi State have arrested 30 suspected sex workers and sealed an unapproved guest house in Abakaliki following an enforcement operation over alleged security concerns and the discovery of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The operation was carried out by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Security, security operatives and the ministry’s task force.
The facility was sealed after officials reportedly discovered that the building was being used as a guest house without the necessary approval.
The Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, disclosed the development while addressing journalists during an inspection of the premises.
Idike expressed concern over activities allegedly taking place at the facility, citing potential threats to public safety and security. He also noted that the presence of individuals reportedly from different states had raised concerns among the authorities.
During the operation, officials reportedly recovered substances suspected to be hard drugs, including wrappers containing substances locally known as Colos and Indian hemp.
Security operatives subsequently took over the investigation into the suspected substances and other findings from the operation.
The commissioner reiterated the Ebonyi State Government’s commitment to enforcing building regulations and ensuring that properties within Abakaliki are used for lawful purposes.
He urged property owners and developers to obtain the necessary building approvals from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning before commencing construction or using their properties for commercial activities.
According to him, the government would not tolerate the use of buildings erected or operated without the required approvals for activities considered threats to public safety.
Idike consequently ordered the indefinite closure of the guest house pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding its operations and compliance with the ministry’s requirements.
He also directed the facility’s owner to report to the ministry to explain the situation and address the outstanding regulatory issues.
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Prince Etta Uka Ude, said his ministry’s priority was to protect residents and maintain adequate security across Ebonyi State.
Ude warned that the state government would not permit business premises or other facilities to become safe havens for criminal activities.
He added that the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remained committed to preserving peace, law and order throughout the state.
The commissioner called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of establishments suspected of engaging in unlawful activities, particularly within Abakaliki.
He further emphasised the need for cooperation among government ministries, security agencies and members of the public to identify potential security threats and prevent criminal activities.
As of the time of filing this report, the arrested individuals had reportedly been taken into police custody for further investigation.
The owner of the guest house had not been arrested as of the time the report was filed.
The operation forms part of the state government’s efforts to enforce building regulations and address security concerns within Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation, and their arrest does not establish guilt.
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