As Nigeria gradually moves into another election season, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has warned hotel operators against allowing their facilities to become centres for the distribution of money and other activities capable of undermining the electoral process.
The Commissioner raised the concern while speaking at the JAGZ Hospitality Conference 2.0, held at the conference hall of The JAGZ Hotel, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.
Olugbenga said security agencies have observed situations where hotels are booked during election periods and subsequently used for activities different from the purpose ordinarily associated with hospitality businesses.
He particularly questioned the practice of government officials and other politically exposed persons booking large numbers of rooms or entire hotel facilities during elections without hotel management making adequate enquiries about the purpose of such bookings.
According to him, some hotel operators are more concerned about having their rooms fully occupied and the revenue generated from the bookings than understanding activities taking place within their premises.
He warned that hotels could unknowingly become locations for the distribution of money during elections if operators fail to conduct proper checks and monitor unusual activities within their facilities.
The Police Commissioner also expressed concern over what he described as a weak relationship between some hotels and police formations within their immediate environment.
According to him, many hotels do not maintain direct communication with nearby police stations, a situation that could delay security response when crimes or suspicious incidents occur.
He explained that by the time such incidents are eventually brought to the attention of the police, vital evidence that could assist investigations may have disappeared.
Olugbenga also identified hotel employees, including bartenders, room attendants and receptionists, as potentially important witnesses when crimes occur within hospitality facilities.
He lamented that investigators sometimes encounter difficulties when workers who may have seen or interacted with suspects claim not to know anything about incidents being investigated.
The Commissioner therefore urged hotel owners and managers to strengthen internal security arrangements and establish working relationships with police formations within their areas.
He also called for the installation of functional Closed-Circuit Television cameras at strategic locations within and around hotel premises.
According to him, CCTV recordings could provide investigators with crucial evidence about movements and activities within hotels when incidents occur.
The Police Commissioner maintained that hospitality operators have a responsibility to understand what happens within their premises, particularly as political activities increase ahead of elections.
He urged operators not to allow the commercial benefits of increased patronage to prevent them from paying attention to suspicious activities capable of exposing their businesses to security and legal problems.
