Enugu State Government Shuts Down Bet9ja Operations Over Regulatory Breaches

The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission (ESGLC) has commenced the shutdown of KC Gaming Networks’ operations, popularly known as Bet9ja, across Enugu State following a valid court order obtained from the High Court of Enugu State over persistent regulatory and financial breaches.

Prince Arinze Arum, executive secretary/CEO, Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC) [Photo: Techeconomy]

The enforcement action, Techeconomy gathered from reliable sources, follows an interim order granted by the High Court sitting in the Enugu Judicial Division,  Acting on the authority of the court, the Commission has begun sealing and restricting access to the operator’s gaming premises within the state.

Speaking on the development, Prince Arinze Arum, the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the Commission, said the shutdown was a direct consequence of the operator’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Enugu State Gaming Law, particularly the remittance of assessed and duly demanded gross gaming revenue.

“The Commission has now commenced the enforcement of the court order by shutting down KC Gaming Networks’ gaming outlets operating as Bet9ja within Enugu State,” Prince Arum stated. “This action became necessary after the operator repeatedly failed to meet its statutory obligations despite formal assessments and demands.”

Prince Arum explained that the Commission acted strictly within the framework of the law and only after exhausting all administrative remedies available to it.

“We did not wake up and decide to shut down any operator,” he said. “This process followed due diligence, regulatory engagement, and lawful demand notices. When compliance was not achieved, the Commission approached the court and obtained the necessary order, which we are now enforcing.”

According to him, the enforcement underscores the Commission’s resolve to sanitize the gaming industry and ensure a level playing field for all licensed operators in the state.

“The gaming industry must be regulated with fairness, transparency, and accountability,” Prince Arum noted. “Operators who comply with the law have nothing to fear. Those who choose to disregard regulatory requirements should expect firm and lawful action from the Commission.”

He further stressed that the shutdown is not targeted at any particular brand but is part of a broader commitment to protect the integrity of the sector and safeguard public revenue.

“This is about enforcement, not victimization,” he said. “Revenue due to the state must be paid. These funds support governance and public services, and the Commission will not allow leakages under any guise.”

The court order empowers the Commission to seal, restrain, lock up, and restrict access to the respondent’s gaming premises pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. Prince Arum reiterated that the Commission remains open to engagement with operators who are willing to regularize their operations in line with the law.

“Our doors are open to dialogue, but compliance is non-negotiable,” he emphasized. “Enugu State is committed to building a responsible, well-regulated, and sustainable gaming industry, and we will continue to use all legal instruments available to achieve that goal.”

The Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission reaffirmed its mandate to regulate, monitor, and enforce gaming activities across the state in accordance with extant laws, regardless of who is involved, assuring the public that further enforcement actions will be taken against any operator found to be in breach of regulatory requirements.

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