Enugu court orders closure of Bet9ja shops
Enforcement teams, led by the Commission’s Executive Secretary Prince Arinze Arum, began sealing Bet9ja’s locations last Tuesday, with plans to cover every outlet in Enugu.
Nigeria.- The High Court in Enugu State has directed the shutdown of all Bet9ja betting operations run by KC Gaming Networks, following claims of repeated failures to meet local gaming rules. The decision came after the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission secured a court order to seal the company’s sites, starting with its main office on February 10, 2026.
The Commission, acting on an ex-parte order from Justice H.O. Eya in case number 6/54/2025, temporarily sealed Bet9ja premises across the state pending a full hearing. Enforcement teams, led by the Commission’s Executive Secretary Prince Arinze Arum, began closing Bet9ja’s locations last Tuesday, with plans to cover every outlet in Enugu.
KC Gaming Networks is accused of disregarding key obligations under the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law, such as not renewing licences, missing required fee payments and withholding shares of gross gaming revenue.
According to Arum, the company received several warnings but did not take corrective action. He told reporters during the operation: “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 stressed that the state aims to apply rules evenly to all betting firms: “Whether an operator is big or small, any violation of the law or regulations will attract consequences and penalties. We insist on total compliance.” He added that companies following the rules would keep getting state support.
This action aligns with recent reforms in Enugu’s gaming sector, including amendments to laws signed by Governor Peter Mbah in 2025 to strengthen regulatory oversight.
The closure could affect hundreds of agents and staff who run Bet9ja shops, as well as regular customers who rely on these locations for entertainment and potential winnings. While recovering unpaid funds could provide the state with additional revenue for public services, the short-term closure may push bettors towards alternative or unlicensed platforms.
