The EFCC has recovered N1.28bn from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited and handed it to the Enugu State Government over a failed school project

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered N1.28bn from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited and handed the funds over to the Enugu State Government over the failed construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across the state.

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The recovery followed investigations into allegations of fraud, contract breach and diversion of public funds linked to the school construction project.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the action was initiated after a petition dated February 11, 2025, accused Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited of receiving public funds without delivering on the agreed scope of work.

The petitioner alleged that the Enugu State Government paid a total of N2.29bn as advance payment for the construction of the 22 smart schools, but that the January 2, 2025, completion deadline elapsed without meaningful progress on the project.

The petition named the company’s Group Managing Director, Olasijibomi Ogundele, holding him jointly liable for the refund of the funds due to persistent non-performance and the alleged diversion of project monies.

Following the petition, operatives of the EFCC’s Special Task Fraud Section attached to the Enugu Zonal Directorate commenced investigations, which led to the recovery of the funds for the state government.

Presenting the recovered cheques and bank drafts at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office, the Zonal Director and Commander of the EFCC, Daniel Isei, who represented the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the action was in line with the agency’s statutory mandate.

“As of today, we have recovered drafts amounting to N1,234,350,000 and an additional N50,000,000, bringing the total recovery to N1,284,350,000 for the benefit of the Enugu State Government,” Isei said.

He reaffirmed the EFCC’s resolve to ensure accountability in the management of public funds, warning contractors handling government projects to strictly comply with the Public Procurement Act.

“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against any level of government, the EFCC will ensure that every act contrary to law is dealt with and that restitution is made to the victim where possible,” he said.

Isei added that investigations were ongoing and that the recovery of funds did not mark the end of the case, noting that prosecution would follow wherever criminal liability is established.

Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the EFCC for its professionalism and resilience.

“This recovery is a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration, transparency and accountability,” Onyia said.

He added that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah remained committed to prudent management of public resources, assuring that the recovered funds would be reinvested in critical infrastructure projects to improve the welfare of residents.

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The EFCC had earlier, on September 5, 2025, declared Ogundele wanted over alleged diversion of funds and money laundering. On the same day, he released a video on social media, promising to report himself to the Commission.