EFCC Returns N1.23bn Recovered From Sujimoto to Enugu Over Abandoned Smart Schools Project
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N1.23 billion recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to the Enugu State Government over an abandoned smart schools project.
The funds were handed over on Wednesday after a petition accused the construction firm of fraud in the execution of 22 smart schools awarded by the Enugu State Government.
In a statement, the EFCC said the money was recovered after investigations showed that Sujimoto failed to execute the project despite receiving more than N2.28 billion as advance payment. The commission added that the petitioner stated the contract completion deadline elapsed on January 2, 2025, without any meaningful progress on the project.
“The persistent non-performance of the contractor, as shown by the documents, is clear evidence of intention to defraud the state government,” the commission quoted the petitioner as saying.
The petition also named Olasijibomi Ogundele, group managing director (GMD) of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, as jointly liable for the refund, citing an “irremediable breach” of contract and alleged diversion of project funds.
Following the petition, the EFCC said operatives of its Enugu zonal directorate commenced investigations, which led to the recovery of N1,234,350,000 for the state government.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on behalf of the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the agency’s zonal director, Daniel Isei, said the recovery underscored the commission’s commitment to restitution where public funds are misappropriated.
“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against an individual or an agency of government, the EFCC will ensure that every act that is contrary to law is dealt with and, where possible, restitution is made to the victim,” Isei said.
He added that investigations into the petition against Sujimoto were ongoing.
“The commission will look at every facet of the petition and ensure that every kobo of Enugu state government funds that is unaccounted for is traced, tracked and recovered,” he said.
Isei also warned contractors handling public funds to comply strictly with procurement laws and uphold integrity, noting that failure to properly account for public funds could lead to prosecution.
“Where cases of criminality are established, the EFCC will take further steps of prosecution,” he said.
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, commended the EFCC for its professionalism and diligence.
“When the state submitted the petition, there were a lot of distractions in the public space, but the EFCC remained focused, followed the money and conducted thorough investigations,” Onyia said.
“This is a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency.”
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