Abia Govt Demolishes Hotel After C-of-O Revocation, Firm Alleges Political Motive

The Abia State Government has demolished multiple structures within Abia Hotels, Umuahia, following the revocation of the property’s Certificate of Occupancy earlier held by Investment Guarantee Limited.

The demolition, executed over the weekend by Bulldozers, came after the state government repossessed the facility from Investment Guarantee Limited, pursuant to the reversal of its property lease arrangement.

A site visit on Sunday showed large sections of the hotel in rubble, while bulldozers were stationed in front of remaining buildings inside the compound on 16 Finbarrs Road.

In a statement dated November 16, 2025, the Government of Abia State said that the hotel, leased for upgrade and expansion by Investment Guarantee Limited, failed to meet the agreed 3-star standard after 12 years of operation.

The government further disclosed that compensation was paid to the firm to cover development costs and enable the state to reclaim the property for its original investment purpose, noting that the repossession and demolition aligned with extant regulatory powers.

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of Investment Guarantee Limited, Randie Ukanwoko, alleged that the demolition was politically motivated, claiming it followed his decision to permit the facility’s use for a political event.

Ukanwoko also alleged that the state government paid N450 million into his bank account without an executed agreement, expressing regret that the value of the demolished structures exceeded the amount received.

He said, “The worth of the demolished infrastructure far outweighs the N450 million paid,” adding that the payment lacked contractual basis — an allegation the state government had earlier not referenced in its public statement.

The Abia Hotels complex, formerly handled under a lease monitored by Investment Guarantee Limited, remains the subject of public debate, as stakeholders await further official clarification or possible judicial action arising from the company’s claims.

As at press time, the Abia State Government has not issued a supplementary public response to the political motive or contract execution allegations raised by Ukanwoko.