EFCC Raids Newly Opened Westmac Hotel in Benin, Edo State
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Sunday morning conducted a raid at the newly opened Westmac Hotel along Sapele Road in Benin City, Edo State, sparking mixed reactions from Nigerians.
A video of the operation, now circulating online, shows EFCC operatives in their signature red jackets storming the premises in a swift move that disrupted activities at the hotel.
Public Reactions
The raid has triggered heated debate among Nigerians on social media and online forums.
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Some commenters accused the EFCC of targeting young men indiscriminately, suggesting the agency often arrests hotel guests without proper investigation.
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Others argued that the EFCC should focus on high-profile fraudsters rather than raiding local hotels in “gestapo fashion.”
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A few defended the operation, insisting that if credible intelligence led to the raid, then the EFCC was right to act.
One user lamented:
“Imagine visiting Nigeria to surprise family and deciding to stay in a hotel, only to be paraded as a fraudster by EFCC.”
Another added:
“The hotel never settled the agency. That’s why they busted them, just like they did in Abeokuta.”
Concerns Over EFCC Tactics
Critics say the EFCC’s frequent raids on hotels and nightclubs are damaging nightlife and hospitality businesses, particularly in cities like Benin, Lagos, and Abeokuta. Some allege that the agency uses raids as an excuse to extort money, while failing to tackle larger financial crimes.
EFCC Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of press time, the EFCC has not released an official statement confirming the purpose of the Westmac Hotel operation or whether any suspects were arrested.
The incident underscores growing tension between the anti-graft agency and Nigeria’s youth population, many of whom accuse the EFCC of harassment and profiling rather than genuine law enforcement.