CITIZENS COMPASS –The owner of Golden Point Hotel and Suites popularly known as La Cruise Hotel, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has said that the “30 graves” found in the hotel were mere fish ponds rather than grave yards as assumed by the state government.
Also, he said the “ponds” were constructed by the original owner of the building.
He disclosed this yesterday, while fielding questions from newsmen.
Recall that the state government said it uncovered over ’30 graves’ and a shrine in the hotel during a demolition exercise.
The government said the hotel was being used as a hideout for kidnappers.
However, the hotelier had come forward to dismiss the claims by the government.
Citizens Compass reported that the demolition took place on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The state government disclosed this in a post on its X Handle. “Demolition of kidnappers den disguised as Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites AKA “La Cruise Hotel” along Onitsha Owerri road.
“The hotel has well-partitioned graves of over 30 on the last floor with a shrine!!”
Dismissing the claim by the state government, the hotelier who simply identified himself as Udoka, said that the “30 graves” were partitioned fish ponds constructed by the original owner of the building, “The fish ponds were built on the top floor for easy access to fish, which were used for barbecue at the hotel bar. The hotel has never been involved in any criminal activity.”
“I borrowed money to buy the hotel and haven’t even repaid the loan. If an investigation had been conducted, the truth would have come out. I only found out about the demolition after it was carried out.”
He described himself as a legitimate businessman dealing in motor parts and real estate, insisting that his reputation in the community could be confirmed by local traders. He also stated that he had reported the incident to the police in Awka.
The state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, queried the logic of having fish ponds and shrines in a hotel. “Even for health reasons, does it make sense to have fish ponds on the top floor of a hotel? Where are the fish if it’s truly a pond? And why is he hiding?”
Recall that the state government also said that it arrested three suspected kidnappers posing as herdsmen.
