By Francis Sadhere, Warri
In the midst of troubling accusations, Mr. Dafe Kpohraror, owner of Big Dafe Hotel located in Ughelli, Delta State, has vehemently denied claims that his establishment is involved in human trafficking and child prostitution.
The popular hotel, long-standing in the region and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for lodging and accommodation services, has come under scrutiny following a recent police raid.
Addressing the media, Kpohraror expressed shock and dismay over the allegations leveled against his hotel.
He recounted a recent incident on July 12, 2024, where he personally discovered three unfamiliar individuals on the premises. Promptly questioning them and finding their responses unsatisfactory, Kpohraror instructed his security personnel to escort them off the property.
Refuting the claims of police invasion and subsequent arrests of guests and lodgers on July 15, 2024, the hotel owner emphasized that Big Dafe Hotel has never been associated with illicit activities such as human trafficking or child prostitution.
He clarified that the teenagers in question were not registered guests based on the hotel’s official records.
“As a hotelier, the management of the hotel diligently adheres to the laws and regulations governing our operations in the state,” stated Kpohraror, seeking to set the record straight amidst the swirling controversy.
The allegations of human trafficking and child prostitution at Big Dafe Hotel arose following a police operation conducted by officers from the Ekpan and Ebrumede divisions of the Delta State Command. Staff members, guests, and lodgers were reportedly detained on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities, leading to a public outcry and media scrutiny.
Despite the accusations and police intervention, Mr. Kpohraror said he remains resolute in defending the reputation of Big Dafe Hotel, emphasizing its longstanding presence in Delta State as a reputable lodging and accommodation provider.
While commending the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Police Abaniwonda Olufemi for declaring zero tolerance on human trafficking/ child prostitution in the state, he noted that the management of Big Dafe Hotel is not aware that Chinyere (surname withheld) is a human trafficking/child prostitution suspect.
He said, “the management of the hotel is hereby using this medium to distance itself from the activities of the said Chinyere.
The controversy surrounding the hotel serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses in the hospitality industry, especially when faced with unfounded allegations that tarnish their reputation.
