Photos: Anambra Government Demolishes Awka Guest House, Recovers Drugs and Weapon, Detains 38 Persons

The government of Anambra State has demolished Airtight Guest House located at Y-Junction, Okpuno in Awka, following findings of alleged criminal activity at the facility.

The operation, carried out on Sunday, March 29, 2026, was conducted by Agunaechemba security operatives after a night raid on the property, which authorities say had been used as a brothel and a base for drug-related activity.

According to officials, 20 women suspected to be sex workers and 18 male customers were arrested during the raid. Additional arrests included the manager, supervisor, storekeeper, and bar attendant attached to the guest house.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, who supervised the exercise, said the demolition was executed under the provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which allows government takeover of properties linked to kidnapping, drug trafficking, and other criminal offences.

Items recovered during the operation reportedly included Tramadol, cannabis (Indian hemp), nitrous oxide, Rohypnol, and other controlled substances. Security operatives also recovered a locally made single-barrel firearm.

Emeakayi stated that the action followed verified intelligence and inspection of the premises, adding that the law places responsibility on property owners to monitor how their buildings are used.

He added that landlords and property managers risk sanctions if their premises are found to be involved in criminal activity, whether knowingly or otherwise.

The manager of the facility, Paul Chike, said he was overseeing operations on behalf of the owner. He claimed that management had attempted to prevent sex workers from bringing clients into the premises for lodging. He also stated that the recovered firearm was left behind by a guest.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as the state continues enforcement actions targeting criminal networks operating under commercial cover in different parts of Awka.