Enugu Patriots EFCC Sujimoto support grows as the group urges CEO Olasijibomi Ogundele to refund N5.7bn meant for 22 Smart Green Schools projects
Enugu Patriots EFCC Sujimoto case has drawn fresh reactions as the civic group, Enugu State Patriots, expressed strong support for both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the state government in their bid to recover N5.7bn allegedly diverted by Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.
Also read: EFCC declares Sujimoto CEO, Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele wanted over fund diversion
The Enugu State Government accused the company’s CEO, Olasijibomi Ogundele, of failing to deliver on the contract for 22 out of the 260 Smart Green Schools across the state despite receiving N5.76bn in payments.
Ogundele was declared wanted by the EFCC on Friday for alleged money laundering and fund diversion. In response, he released a video denying the allegations and vowing to clear his name.
Reacting in a statement, the Enugu Patriots, through spokesperson Prof. Mathiine Anikwe, insisted that the funds must be returned.
“No one can blame the government for awarding the contract to Sujimoto, given its projects in Lagos.
But having failed to show value for money here, we advise Ogundele to clean his crocodile tears and return the money to Ndi Enugu. Period,” Anikwe said.
The group praised the administration of Governor Peter Mbah for prioritising education, noting that over 30 per cent of the 2024 budget and 33 per cent of the 2025 budget were allocated to the sector.
It also pointed out that other contractors handling Smart Green Schools projects were delivering their assignments in line with government standards, reinforcing confidence in the state’s ambitious education reform.
Also read: Sujimoto: Yahaya Bello stole money, you didn’t arrest him, Portable slams EFCC
The 260 Smart Green Schools initiative is part of a wider strategy to replace outdated learning structures with modern infrastructure and experiential teaching methods to prepare Enugu’s children for the global economy.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
