Enugu gaming commission shuts down Bet9ja operations over regulatory breaches, unpaid fees
The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission has commenced enforcement action against Bet9ja operations in the state, sealing facilities linked to KC Gaming following alleged regulatory breaches and failure to
The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission has commenced enforcement action against Bet9ja operations in the state, sealing facilities linked to KC Gaming following alleged regulatory breaches and failure to remit statutory fees to the state government.
The enforcement exercise, which began at the company’s Enugu office on Tuesday and is expected to extend to its outlets across the state, was carried out in line with provisions of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law and backed by a court order obtained by the commission.
Speaking to journalists after the operation, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Prince Arinze Arum, said the action became necessary after repeated communications, warnings, and regulatory notices to the operator were allegedly ignored.
He said the commission had made several attempts to resolve the issues administratively, particularly concerning license revalidation and outstanding financial obligations to the state, but the company failed to comply.
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According to him, “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.”
Arum explained that the shutdown was not limited to the company’s head office but would extend to all Bet9ja outlets operating within Enugu State, stressing 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 said.
On the nature of the infractions, Arum said the company allegedly failed to revalidate its operational license despite directives from the commission and also ignored demand notices issued for outstanding gaming fees.
He added that gaming fees and taxes imposed on operators were based on professional assessments and not arbitrary decisions by the government.
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“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 further stressed that the enforcement was aimed at creating a well-structured and properly regulated gaming ecosystem that protects players and ensures 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.
Arum also confirmed that the enforcement followed due legal process, noting that the commission obtained a court order authorising the shutdown before carrying out 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.
The commission maintained that the enforcement exercise was part of broader efforts by the state government to sanitise the gaming sector, strengthen regulatory compliance, and ensure that operators meet their statutory obligations.
