The Anambra State Government has demolished the Airtight Guest House and Bar at Y-Junction, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area.
The demolition, carried out on Saturday, followed a night raid by Agunaechemba security operatives, who uncovered a large cache of illicit drugs, a firearm and evidence of prostitution at the facility.
The operation was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, who said the action was in line with the Anambra Homeland Security Law.
Drugs recovered during the raid included Tramadol, Indian hemp, nitrous oxide, Rohypnol and other substances, alongside a locally made single-barrel gun.
Speaking during the exercise, Emeakayi said, “The Anambra State Government demolished the facility in line with the Homeland Security Law, which empowers the government to take over any property used for kidnapping, drugs and other crimes.
“This serves as a warning to property owners to verify the identity and activities of occupants before leasing their property, to avoid being caught in the web.
“Agunaechemba operatives, during a night raid, uncovered illicit drugs, a firearm and evidence of prostitution at the facility, in violation of the state’s security laws.”
The manager of the guest house, Paul Chike, said he was only managing the business on behalf of the owner.
He stated that efforts were made to restrict prostitutes from bringing in clients to lodge at the facility. Chike also said the firearm recovered was allegedly abandoned by a guest.
During the operation, the manager, supervisor, storekeeper and bar attendant were arrested.
About 20 suspected prostitutes and 18 male patrons were also apprehended.
