THE Enugu State Government yesterday began sealing Bet9ja facilities across the state over alleged failure to revalidate operational licences and settle outstanding financial obligations.

The government said several administrative efforts had been made to resolve the issues, particularly regarding licence revalidation and unpaid fees, but the company allegedly failed to comply.

Executive Secretary of theEnugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, who led the enforcement team to facilities operated by KC Gaming, said the action would be extended to all Bet9ja outlets in the state. He noted that the enforcement 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.

Arum said the action became necessary after repeated communications, warnings and regulatory notices issued to the operator were allegedly ignored, stressing that the shutdown was not limited to the company’s head office.
According to him, the company allegedly failed to revalidate its operational licence 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 rather than arbitrary government decisions.

The commission stated that the enforcement was aimed at creating a properly regulated gaming ecosystem that protects players and ensures fairness among operators, adding that the process followed due legal procedures.

A court order issued by the High Court of Enugu State, Enugu Judicial Division, presided over by Justice H.O. Eya, authorised the commission to seal, lock up and restrict access to the company’s gaming business premises for failure to remit assessed and duly demanded gross gaming revenue.

The commission maintained that the enforcement exercise forms part of broader efforts by the state government to sanitise the gaming sector, strengthen regulatory compliance and ensure operators meet their statutory obligations.