The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has sealed a hotel in Kaduna State for allegedly breaching the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The enforcement action, which took place on Friday, July 11, 2025, followed weeks of surveillance and compliance checks conducted by SCUML officials in collaboration with other relevant law enforcement agencies. According to the unit, the affected hotel failed to register with SCUML and did not meet the mandatory compliance standards required for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).
In a statement issued after the operation, SCUML noted that the closure of the hotel was part of its renewed commitment to enforce the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime across the country. The agency emphasized that hospitality businesses are obligated under the law to adhere to stringent financial reporting and registration procedures to prevent their facilities from being used for illicit financial flows.
“This enforcement serves as a clear warning to all DNFBPs that non-compliance will attract serious consequences. We urge all stakeholders in the hospitality and allied sectors to register with SCUML and meet all legal obligations under the Money Laundering Act,” the statement read.
Residents of the area witnessed the seal-off operation, which was carried out without resistance. Further investigations are underway, and the hotel management is expected to face legal actions if found guilty of facilitating or concealing illicit transactions.
SCUML reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system through consistent monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and targeted enforcement across high-risk sectors.
