The Enugu State Government has shut down the operations of KC Gaming Networks, operators of the Bet9ja brand, over alleged persistent violations of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law.
The enforcement action, which led to the sealing of the company’s head office in Enugu on February 10, 2026, was carried out by the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, acting on an order of the High Court of Enugu State.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, said the shutdown followed repeated efforts by the state to secure the operator’s compliance with regulatory requirements.
According to Arum, KC Gaming Networks consistently ignored warnings, administrative notices and entreaties from the commission, particularly on issues bordering on licence revalidation, outstanding fees and other statutory obligations.
“We are here to enforce compliance with the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law. Over time, we have had several communications with KC Gaming Networks concerning their infractions and regulatory breaches, but they neglected every single one,” he said.
He explained that the action marked a total shutdown of Bet9ja’s operations in the state, stressing that the commission would also move against all the company’s outlets across Enugu.
“This action commenced at their Enugu office, and it is a total shutdown. We will move around the state to shut down all their outlets,” Arum stated.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the government was determined to ensure strict compliance with the law, regardless of the size or influence of any operator.
“There is no operator or company above the law. If you break the law, you must face the consequences,” he said.
Arum noted that the commission had exhausted all administrative remedies before resorting to enforcement, adding that demands for licence revalidation and outstanding payments were repeatedly ignored by the company.
Addressing claims of excessive charges, he maintained that all fees and levies imposed on gaming operators were lawful, transparent and in line with existing regulations.
“No operator is billed arbitrarily. All fees, payments and taxes are determined through proper assessment in line with the law,” he said.
He added that the government’s goal was to build a well-regulated gaming industry that protects players and the public, warning that any violation of the law would attract sanctions.
The shutdown followed an ex-parte order granted by the High Court of Enugu State, presided over by Justice H.O. Eya, in Suit No. 6/54/2025 between the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission and KC Gaming Networks.
In the order dated February 3, 2026, the court authorised the commission to seal and restrict access to the company’s gaming premises within Enugu State for failure to remit duly demanded gross gaming revenue, pending the determination of a motion on notice already before the court.
The Enugu State Government said it would continue to enforce compliance across the gaming sector, warning that failure to act against regulatory breaches would send the wrong signal to other operators.
