Bet9ja has become embattled in Nigeria, after a court-issued shutdown could lead to widespread closures across its primary market.
It follows the gambling regulator filing an ex-parte motion against Bet9ja in January, citing continued regulatory breaches by the operator and shortcomings related to compliance.
Any wrongdoing has been completely denied by Bet9ja, though, with Ayo Ojuroye, CEO and Managing Director of KC Gaming, issuing a staunch defence of the firm.
Ojuroye asserted that the group has been ‘a model corporate entity’ since business began for the firm in the market. He continued by revealing that the firm has a steadfast ‘commitment to ensuring that the issues are resolved legally’.
There was also a staunch denial from the firm that it had overdue payments and a tax debt from when it initially began operations in the market more than ten years ago.
Ojuroye: “We wish to assure our agents, partners, and the public that we will continue to follow due process to ensure that these closures are reversed and that justice prevails.”
He also moved to assure agents, partners, and the public that we will continue to follow due process to ensure that these closures are reversed, with a key focus on business resuming as normal in the market.
Outlining the initial case against the firm, Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission, said: “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…we made.
“We want total compliance. If you comply with the gaming laws, the commission and the state government will collaborate and support you. But we cannot allow anyone to keep flouting the law because it sends the wrong signal to other operators.
“We are serious about compliance and playing by the rules. No company is above the law.”
