Lagos: Residents in fear as ‘Cultists’ take over Hotel environment in Abule Egba

Residents and customers of a Hotel located in Abule Egba, Lagos, are living in fear as a result of growing criminal activities occurring within and around the hotel premises. According to multiple victims, the hotel has become a safe haven for cultists and hoodlums who now routinely harass, rob, and terrorise unsuspecting guests and passersby, […]

Residents and customers of a Hotel located in Abule Egba, Lagos, are living in fear as a result of growing criminal activities occurring within and around the hotel premises.

According to multiple victims, the hotel has become a safe haven for cultists and hoodlums who now routinely harass, rob, and terrorise unsuspecting guests and passersby, particularly during late hours.

In the early hours of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, two victims, Mr. Adekunle Ajasa and Mr. John Kingsley, both of whom reside in Alimosho and Agege respectively, recounted harrowing experiences to our correspondent after being attacked by suspected cultists shortly after leaving the hotel.

Mr. Adekunle Ajasa, who had gone to the hotel to enjoy the rooftop and indoor club facilities, said the incident occurred around 2:34 a.m.

“I got to the Hotel around 11:21 p.m. to unwind and have a good time at the club,” Ajasa recounted. “After spending some time upstairs, I decided to leave, but as I approached my car at the parking lot, some boys surrounded me. They initially demanded ₦20,000 from me. I pleaded with them and offered ₦5,000 instead, but they were aggressive and wanted more.”

Ajasa said the situation escalated quickly as they tried to snatch his belongings.

“It was by God’s grace that I managed to manoeuvre my car and escape. But they succeeded in stealing my Samsung phone and my wallet which contained ₦350,000,” he lamented.

“This must not be allowed to continue,” said Mr. Ajasa. “We deserve to go out and return home without being attacked. A hotel should be a place of comfort, not fear.”

Similarly, Mr. John Kingsley said he experienced a frightening encounter at the same location within the same timeframe. He told our reporter that he was held at gunpoint by a group of boys who appeared to be hiding within the hotel premises.

“They approached me with a gun and asked me not to move,” Kingsley said. “They took my wallet, which had some cash and valuable jewellery. It happened so fast, and I feared for my life.”

Residents in the area say the growing presence of miscreants has become a disturbing trend that demands urgent attention from security agencies. Several individuals who live or operate businesses near the hotel allege that the management of the hotel has turned a blind eye to the activities of the criminals, who now treat the premises as their base.

A community youth leader in the area, who preferred anonymity for fear of reprisal, said, “We have reported this hotel to the police several times. It is no longer a leisure spot but a den of criminals. These boys harass motorists and residents, especially late at night. If action is not taken soon, someone might lose their life.”

Despite attempts by our correspondent to reach the management of the Hotel for comment, calls and messages were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

Residents are now calling on the Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant security stakeholders to investigate the alarming activities around the hotel and ensure the safety of the community and patrons.

As at press time, no official statement has been issued by the Lagos State Police Command, and Benjamin Hundeyin, police spokesman, did not react to inquiries on the development.