Enugu Court Backs Regulator’s Closure Motion

Nigeria’s leading sports betting brand Bet9ja has strongly criticised the closure of its offices in Enugu State, calling the move “draconian” and vowing to challenge it through legal channels.

Earlier this month, the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission (ESGLC) filed an ex-parte motion before the Enugu High Court to seal off all Bet9ja and KC Gaming premises in the city. The regulator accused the operator of failing to settle tax arrears and ignoring compliance notices.

Justice H.O. Eya granted the order, allowing the commission to proceed with the shutdown of betting shops and regional offices, prompting a public standoff between the regulator and the bookmaker.

“No Company Is Above the Law,” Says Regulator

State Prioritises Compliance and Enforcement

Following the court order, Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary of the Enugu Gaming and Lottery Commission, publicly justified the decision, describing Bet9ja’s actions as repeated violations of the state’s gaming framework.

“We have had several communications with KC Gaming concerning their infractions and financial obligations,” Arum said.
“They neglected every communication. We want total compliance. No company is above the law.”

Arum insisted that the state remains committed to strict enforcement and will continue to take decisive measures against operators failing regulatory or tax obligations.

Bet9ja Responds: “We Have Always Operated With Integrity”

Company Rejects Allegations, Plans to Appeal

In a statement to SBC News, Bet9ja and KC Gaming management denied wrongdoing, asserting that the company remains compliant with all regulatory and financial requirements dictated by the Enugu gaming framework.

“As a responsible organisation that drives employment in Enugu and across Nigeria, KC Gaming has always operated with integrity and transparency,” a Bet9ja spokesperson said, calling the decision “unjust and draconian.”

CEO and Managing Director Ayo Ojuroye defended the company’s record, describing Bet9ja as “a model corporate entity” since launching operations in Enugu over a decade ago. He added that the company has maintained constant communication with state authorities, including the Gaming Commission and the Internal Revenue Service.

Ojuroye confirmed that Bet9ja intends to appeal the High Court ruling and will “continue to follow due process to ensure the closures are reversed.”

Growing Enforcement Tensions in a Fragmented Market

National Reform Calls Gain Momentum

Bet9ja’s standoff with Enugu authorities comes amid broader regulatory challenges in Nigeria’s $3.6 billion gambling market, which operates under a state-by-state system. The lack of unified national oversight has led to recurring jurisdictional conflicts between operators and regional regulators.

Lawmakers at the federal level are now debating a National Gambling Bill intended to streamline governance and clarify tax collection, enforcement powers, and compliance structures across all 36 states.

Summary

The shutdown of Bet9ja’s operations in Enugu has escalated into a legal and regulatory confrontation over compliance, governance, and state authority within Nigeria’s fragmented gambling market. While Enugu’s regulator insists it is enforcing the law, Bet9ja maintains its innocence and plans to fight back, setting up a test case that could influence how Nigeria’s gambling laws evolve in the months ahead.