The operation, conducted by the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Security, security operatives and the ministry’s task force, also led to the recovery of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, including materials identified by officials as Colos and Indian hemp.
The Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Hon. Richard Ugo Idike, disclosed this in Abakaliki while speaking to journalists during the operation, expressing concern over the alleged activities at the premises and their implications for public safety and security within the state capital.
Idike said the exercise formed part of the state government's efforts to enforce building regulations, ensure compliance with approved development plans and prevent the unauthorised use of properties within Abakaliki.
According to him, preliminary findings raised concerns about the use of the building as a guest house without the requisite approvals, alongside allegations of activities considered potentially detrimental to public safety.
He disclosed that the suspected illicit substances recovered during the operation had been handed over to security operatives for investigation, while the arrested persons were taken into police custody for questioning.
The commissioner reiterated the government's determination to enforce urban planning regulations and hold property owners accountable for violations of applicable building and development requirements.
He urged property developers and building owners to obtain the necessary approvals from the ministry before commencing construction or converting existing structures to uses different from those originally authorised.
Idike subsequently ordered the indefinite sealing of Jimoh Guest House pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding its operations and the resolution of outstanding regulatory issues.
He also directed the owner of the facility to report to the ministry to explain the situation and address the concerns raised by the authorities.
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Hon. Prince Etta Uka Ude, said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across Ebonyi State.
Ude stressed that the government would not permit business premises to become havens for criminal activities or pose threats to the safety and security of residents.
He said the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru was determined to sustain peace and security in the state, adding that security agencies had been encouraged to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of establishments suspected of engaging in unlawful activities.
The commissioner also underscored the importance of collaboration among government ministries, security agencies and members of the public in identifying and addressing potential security threats.
As of the time of filing this report, more than 30 persons had reportedly been taken into police custody for questioning, while the whereabouts of the guest house owner remained unknown.
The enforcement operation underscores the state government's efforts to address alleged breaches of urban planning regulations and security concerns associated with commercial establishments in Abakaliki.
However, the allegations against the arrested persons and the nature of the substances reportedly recovered remain subject to investigation.
The arrests do not establish guilt, and the individuals involved are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.
