Zonal Commander, Michael Nzekwe, had observed a worrying pattern of cold complicity by hospitality entrepreneurs .

Nzekwe accused some of them of working with suspected fraudsters by housing them over a long period and making internet facilities available.

The official stated that such act negates Section 3 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

“The section provides for a prison term of between five and 15 years without option of fine for any person who permits his premises to be used for any offence under the Act,” he said.

On the argument that hoteliers are business people and cannot determine who a fraudster is, Nzekwe explained the law doesn’t recognise the position.

The EFCC told them to always ask their customers for means of identification and to include their occupation during check-in procedure.