The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total of N1.23 billion recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to the Enugu State Government over the failed construction of 22 smart schools in the state.
The handover took place on Wednesday, in Enugu, following investigations into alleged fraud and contract breach by the construction firm.
The recovery was sequel to a petition dated February 11, 2025, alleging that Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited collected advance payment for the construction of 22 smart schools but failed to execute the project as agreed, the EFCC said.
The petitioner stated that the Enugu State Government paid N2.29 billion as advance fees to the company for the project, which was expected to be completed by January 2, 2025.
But documents showed persistent non-performance after the contract deadline elapsed, raising suspicions of fraud.
The petition further identified Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, as jointly liable for the refund of the funds, citing an “irremediable breach” of contract terms and alleged diversion of project funds for purposes unrelated to the contract.
Sequel the petition, operatives of the Special Task Fraud Section of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate commenced investigations, leading to the recovery of N1,234,350,000 on behalf of the state government.
Handing over the recovered fund, the Zonal Director of the EFCC, Enugu Zonal Directorate, Commander of the EFCC, CE Daniel Isei, who represented the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reiterated the Commission’s resolve to recover public funds and ensure restitution to victims of economic and financial crimes.
He said the EFCC would not hesitate to act whenever public funds are misappropriated, adding that the Commission received the petition from the Enugu State Government in line with its statutory mandate and diligently followed the money trail.
He also warned contractors handling public funds to adhere strictly to the Procurement Act and operate with integrity, accountability, and transparency, stressing that the EFCC would trace, track, and recover every kobo of public funds not properly accounted for.
According to him, where criminality is established, the Commission would proceed with prosecution in line with the law.
Receiving the fund on behalf of the Enugu State Government, Onyia commended the EFCC for its professionalism and focus, noting that despite distractions in the public space, the Commission remained committed to thorough investigation and recovery of the funds.
He described the recovery as a strong example of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency, thanking the EFCC for helping the state retrieve the misappropriated funds.