Controversy Surrounds Demolition of La Cruise Hotel in Anambra State
The recent demolition of the Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, commonly referred to as La Cruise Hotel, located in Oba, Anambra State, has ignited significant debate.
The hotel’s owner has strongly denied allegations made by local authorities that the establishment was involved in kidnapping and other illicit activities.
This demolition took place on January 27, 2025, when security personnel from Anambra State carried out the operation.
Officials reported finding more than 30 graves, a shrine, as well as military uniforms, weapons, and ammunition on site.
The state government issued a statement through its New Media account, claiming:
“Oba, Idemili South LGA! We have demolished a den of kidnappers disguised as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also known as ‘La Cruise Hotel’, located along Onitsha-Owerri Road. The hotel contained more than 30 well-partitioned graves on the top floor, alongside a shrine!”
According to government representatives, the demolition was triggered by intelligence gathering and tips from informants indicating the location was a haven for kidnappers.
In response to these accusations, the hotel owner, who goes by the name Udoka, has rebuffed any associations with criminal behavior.
In a phone interview with the press, he stated that the supposed graves were, in reality, partitioned fish ponds.
He declared, “The hotel has never had any involvement in kidnapping. Those so-called graves are actually partitioned fish ponds. I purchased the property from the original owner, who built it that way; the upper level was converted into a fish pond before I bought it.”
Udoka explained that the design of the fish pond allows for easy monitoring and that it was intended to provide fresh fish for the hotel’s barbecues. He suggested that certain dissatisfied parties have attempted to cause trouble for him after their efforts to retract the sale failed.
He expressed his surprise at not being informed about the demolition beforehand, stating, “I procured a loan to buy this hotel, which I have yet to repay. If an investigation had been performed when the hotel was closed, the truth would have come to light.”
Furthermore, he mentioned that he was in Awka, the state capital, to lodge a police report regarding the incident.
Describing himself as a legitimate entrepreneur in the motor parts and real estate sectors, he asserted that local traders could confirm his integrity.
However, Law Mefor, the Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, refuted Udoka’s claims in an interview, stating that it does not make sense to have fish ponds within a hotel setting.
“How can one claim to have fish ponds and shrines on the top floor of a hotel? Logically and health-wise, such an arrangement doesn’t hold. If it’s a pond, where are the fish? Why would he be avoiding the truth?” Mefor questioned.
Addressing fears that this demolition could deter potential investors, Mefor countered, “Honestly, it’s better to ensure that no kidnappers are operating freely in our state.”