The management of Abia Hotel Limited has filed a formal petition before the Police and the DSS over the recent sealing of the hotel by the Abia State Government. The State Government had sealed Abia Hotels recently. The petition asks the agencies to intervene and halt what it describes as an unlawful takeover.

Hotel Alleges Illegal Government Action

The petition, signed by Managing Director Dr. Patrick Ezenwaka, says state officials and vigilante operatives sealed the hotel on 14 November 2025. It claims the operation violated a subsisting High Court order that restricted any enforcement action. The board says the sealing was carried out by security agents led by retired Commander McDonald Uba.

The management says the hotel operates as a joint venture with 40% private equity and 60% state equity. It adds that the business still holds a valid 99-year Certificate of Occupancy. It also says a 25-year lease with 17 years left remains in force. The hotel argues that the government ignored these binding agreements.

The petition urges the Police and DSS to secure the premises. It warns that the continued occupation may trigger unrest and property damage. The management says 52 direct workers and many indirect earners now face hardship due to the sealing.

Management Rejects Government’s “Abandonment” Claim

In a separate Abuja statement, the management condemned the government’s public claim that the hotel was abandoned. It says the allegation is false and was created to justify a takeover. The board insists that the hotel remains active, functional, and fully engaged in commercial operations.

Dr. Ezenwaka says the government acted in defiance of the court. He notes that the hotel had already informed the court about earlier threats of revocation. He says the sealing confirms the hotel’s fear of political intimidation.

Board Alleges Political Motive

The board alleges that the sealing followed an APC event held at the hotel. It says the APC paid full commercial fees for the event. It claims this triggered hostility from the government because the party is the main opposition in the state.

The management says the hotel is politically neutral and only offers commercial services. It describes the sealing as punitive and harmful to business confidence. It says hospitality businesses cannot survive under political pressure.

Lawsuit Details Before the High Court

The management has approached the High Court in Umuahia to challenge the sealing. The suit was filed by Anthony Onyenowu, Investment Guarantee Ltd, and Randy Obinna Ukanwoke. The hotel seeks a declaration that it remains the lawful leaseholder and rightful owner of its business interests.

The suit also asks the court to rule that the alleged revocation notice is illegal. It contests the state’s attempt to take over the property despite the existing lease and Certificate of Occupancy. The claim argues that the forceful occupation by state officials and vigilante members breached the hotel’s contractual rights.

The hotel also seeks an injunction to stop further interference with its operations. It asks the court to restrain the government from taking any additional steps pending judgment. The suit stresses that the government is not the sole owner of the business.

The defendants include the Abia State Government, the Attorney General, the Commissioner for Lands, and the Commissioner for Information. The board says the legal action aims to protect private investors and the rule of law.

The management urges stakeholders to support due process as the court hears the matter.