The Abia State Government has demolished substantial portions of the former Abia Hotels complex on 16 Finbarrs Road, Umuahia, days after revoking the property’s Certificate of Occupancy and reclaiming it from Investment Guarantee Limited.
A visit to the location on Sunday revealed widespread destruction across the facility, with heaps of rubble marking the spot where major structures once stood. Heavy-duty bulldozers remained stationed within the premises, indicating that the exercise was still ongoing.
In an official statement dated November 16, 2025, the government said the original lease agreement, signed in 2013, required Investment Guarantee Limited to upgrade the facility into a 3-star hotel. It noted that despite a 12-year grace period, the company failed to meet the agreed development benchmarks. According to the statement, compensation was paid to the firm for its expenditure, allowing the state to repossess and repurpose the property.
However, the Managing Director of Investment Guarantee Limited, Mr. Randie Ukanwoko, has rejected the government’s position, describing the demolition as “politically motivated.” He alleged that the action was taken shortly after he permitted the hotel grounds to be used for a political gathering.
Mr. Ukanwoko further claimed that the N450 million paid as compensation was deposited into the company’s account without any formal negotiation, insisting that the value of the demolished assets “far exceeds” the amount received.
As of the time of filing this report, the state government had yet to release a new statement addressing the allegations raised by the firm.
