Enugu State Takes Strong Action Against Bet9ja
The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission has taken decisive steps to enforce regulatory compliance against Bet9ja operations within the state. This action involves sealing facilities associated with KC Gaming, following allegations of regulatory violations and failure to pay required statutory fees to the state government.
The enforcement operation began at the company’s Enugu office on Tuesday and is expected to expand to all its outlets across the state. This move aligns with the provisions of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law and was supported by a court order obtained by the commission.
Prince Arinze Arum, the Executive Secretary of the commission, spoke to journalists after the operation. He emphasized that the action became necessary after repeated attempts to address the issues with KC Gaming were ignored. Arum stated that the commission had made several efforts to resolve matters related to license revalidation and outstanding financial obligations, but the company failed to comply.
“We are here to enforce compliance with the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law. We have had several communications with KC Gaming concerning their infractions and regulatory breaches, including financial responsibilities to the state, but they neglected every communication and entreaty we made,” he said.
Arum clarified that the shutdown would not be limited to the company’s head office but would extend to all Bet9ja outlets operating in Enugu State. He stressed that no operator is above the law.
“This is a total shutdown. We are commencing with their office and we are going round to shut down all their outlets in the state. We are serious about compliance and playing by the rules. There is no company that is above the law,” he added.
Nature of the Infractions
According to Arum, the company allegedly failed to revalidate its operational license despite directives from the commission. Additionally, it ignored demand notices issued for outstanding gaming fees. He explained that these fees and taxes are based on professional assessments and not arbitrary decisions by the government.
“No operator can tell you that Enugu State government is billing them arbitrarily. The fees and taxes are borne out of proper assessments. The operators understand how these assessments are done,” he stated.
The commission boss also highlighted that the enforcement action aims to create a well-structured and properly regulated gaming ecosystem. This includes protecting players and ensuring fairness among operators.
“We want total compliance. If you comply with the gaming laws, the commission and the state government will collaborate and support you. But we cannot allow anyone to keep flouting the law because it sends the wrong signal to other operators,” he said.
Legal Process and Court Order
Arum confirmed that the enforcement followed due legal process. The commission obtained a court order authorizing the shutdown before proceeding with the operation. The court order, issued by the High Court of Enugu State, Enugu Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice H.O. Eya, granted the commission authority to seal, lock up, and restrict access to the gaming business premises of the respondent for failure to remit assessed and duly demanded gross gaming revenue.
The order was granted following an ex-parte motion filed on January 22, 2026, pursuant to relevant provisions of the Enugu State Gaming Commission (As Amended) Law, 2025, and the High Court Rules of the state. The court further directed that the order would remain pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already before the court, with a return date fixed for February 10, 2026.
Broader Regulatory Efforts
The commission emphasized that this enforcement exercise is part of broader efforts by the state government to sanitize the gaming sector. These efforts aim to strengthen regulatory compliance and ensure that operators meet their statutory obligations.
