Hotels in Nigeria, once synonymous with relaxation, hospitality, and business, are increasingly becoming hotspots for criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, and human trafficking. The anonymity provided by hotels, combined with lax security measures and, in some cases, complicity of hotel staff, has turned these establishments into breeding grounds for crime.
The recent discovery of over 30 makeshift graves and a shrine within a hotel in Anambra State highlights the severity of the issue. This crisis is not confined to a single state; similar reports of heinous crimes in hotels are emerging nationwide, raising concerns about the hospitality industry’s integrity and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Criminals use hotels as safe houses, gathering places for illegal transactions, and even slaughter slabs for ritual killings. Some hotels have been identified as fronts for human trafficking, prostitution rings, and organ harvesting syndicates. Direct hotel involvement in crimes is also increasing, with some owners renting rooms to criminals or engaging in fraudulent activities themselves.
Many Nigerian hotels lack adequate security infrastructure, such as working CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and trained security personnel. The hotel industry is largely unregulated, with low compliance to laws requiring hotels to register with the government. The complicity of corrupt law enforcement officials has exacerbated the situation, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.
The economic downturn in Nigeria has led to an increase in ritual killings, driven by a desire for wealth. Internet fraudsters, known as Yahoo Boys, and other criminals believe that human sacrifices can bring financial success. Hotels, due to their transient nature and high level of anonymity, provide an ideal environment for these activities.
To address the rising criminal activity in hotels, both government and private sector stakeholders must take immediate action. This includes ensuring all hotels are registered and subject to regular inspections, investing in modern security technologies, and encouraging residents to report suspicious activities. Harsher penalties for hotel owners and staff found guilty of aiding crimes, and anti-corruption measures for law enforcement officials, are also necessary.
The transformation of Nigerian hotels from places of comfort to crime scenes is a national emergency. The government, hotel owners, and security agencies must work together to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s hotels, ensuring they are safe spaces for travelers, tourists, and businesspeople, rather than havens for criminals. The time to act is now.
