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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over 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, following a petition alleging fraud in the construction of 22 smart schools awarded to the construction company by the Enugu state government.
In a statement on Wednesday, the EFCC said the money was recovered after investigations revealed that Sujimoto failed to execute the project despite receiving over N2.28 billion as advance payment.
According to the EFCC, the petitioner said 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 identified Olasijibomi Ogundele, group managing director (GMD) of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, as being jointly liable for the refund of the funds, alleging an “irremediable breach” of the contract and diversion of project funds.
Following the petition, EFCC said its operatives in the 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 Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, Daniel Isei, the zonal director of the agency, said the recovery reflected the commission’s resolve to ensure 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 are 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.
He also warned contractors handling public funds to comply strictly with procurement laws and uphold integrity, noting that failure to account for public funds could attract prosecution.
“Where cases of criminality are established, the EFCC will take further steps of prosecution,” the zonal director said.
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the Enugu government, Chidiebere Onyia, secretary to the state government (SSG), 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.”
