The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered and handed over ₦1.2 billion to the Enugu State Government over the failed construction of 22 smart schools in the state by Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.
The funds were presented to the state government on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after investigations revealed that the contractor failed to honour the terms of its agreement with the state.
The EFCC said it received a petition dated February 11, 2025, alleging fraud in the award of the smart schools project.
According to the petition, ₦2,289,186,190.00 was paid as advance payment to Dr Olasijibomi Ogundele, identified as the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, for the execution of the project.
The petitioner noted that the completion deadline of January 2, 2025, elapsed without any meaningful work done on the project.
“The persistent non-performance of the contractor after the completion date lapsed is clear evidence of intention to defraud the Enugu State Government,” the petitioner said.
It added that Ogundele was jointly liable for refunding the funds following an “irremediable breach” of the contract and alleged diversion of project funds.
Following the petition, operatives of the Special Task Fraud Section attached to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC commenced investigations, leading to the recovery of ₦1,234,350,000.
Handing over the recovered sum on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the Zonal Director, Commander of the EFCC, Daniel Isei, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to recovering stolen public funds.
“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against any government or agency, the EFCC will ensure that such acts are dealt with and restitution is made where possible,” Isei said.
“We received the petition from the Enugu State Government, carried out our investigation and are glad to announce that we have recovered part of the money given to Sujimoto Construction.”
The EFCC chairman, through his representative, warned contractors handling public funds to comply strictly with the Procurement Act and uphold integrity in contract execution.
“Every kobo of Enugu State Government funds that is not accounted for will be traced, tracked and recovered,” Olukoyede said.
He added that the Commission would proceed with prosecution where criminality is established.
“Every public fund must be properly utilised or accounted for. Where this is not done, the EFCC will move in and ensure that economic and financial crimes are addressed,” he warned.
Receiving the cheques on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, praised the EFCC for what he described as professionalism and focus despite public distractions surrounding the case.
Onyia said the recovery reflected the Enugu State Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible use of public funds under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.
He assured that the recovered money would be reinvested in critical infrastructure projects to improve the welfare of residents.
“When we submitted the petition, there were a lot of distractions in the public space, but the EFCC remained professional, followed the money and carried out thorough investigations,” Onyia said.
“This recovery is a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency.”