Anti-graft seals Kaduna hotel over non-compliance with money laundéring act

The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, has sealed Hampton Hilton Hotel and Apartments in Kaduna, due to persistent non-compliance with the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations set forth by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).

The sealing of the premises on Monday, July 14, 2025, follows a series of infractions and a refusal by the hotel to adhere to regulatory directives and financial penalties.

According to a statement on EFCC’s X handle, the hotel was first flagged for multiple infractions during an evaluation conducted on June 4, 2024, which led to the issuance of administrative sanctions.

Despite these initial measures, a subsequent compliance evaluation on June 13, 2025, revealed further breaches.

The statement reads:

“The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has sealed up Hampton Hilton Hotel and Apartments, Kaduna, for non-compliance with the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions, DNFBPs.

“The entity was found to have committed multiple infractions in the course of the first evaluation carried out on it, on June 4, 2024, leading to the issuance of administrative sanctions to it by SCUML.

“It was also found to have committed further infractions following the compliance evaluation of June 13, 2025, for which it was slammed N2,300,000.00 (Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, payable within seven days and with instruction to ensure full compliance with the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022 and AML/CFT regulations or face further consequences.

“While it refused to pay the fine, it, as well, dishonoured SCUML’s invite to show up for compliance evaluation, resulting in the sealing of the premises.

“The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, ensures DNFBPs’ compliance with Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022 and AML/CFT regulations.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>