The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered and handed over the sum of ₦1.23 billion to the Enugu State Government.
The funds were retrieved from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited following an investigation into a failed contract for the construction of 22 smart schools across the state.
The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Commission’s Enugu Zonal Directorate.
According to the EFCC, the recovery was triggered by a petition dated February 11, 2025, in which the Enugu State Government alleged that the construction firm had defaulted on its contractual obligations.
The petition detailed that the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto, Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, had received an advance fee of ₦2.28 billion for the project.
However, despite the contract stipulating a completion deadline of January 2, 2025, the petitioner alleged that the contractor failed to perform, describing the non-performance as a clear intention to defraud the state government.
The state accused the firm of diverting the project funds for personal use unrelated to the contract.
Acting swiftly on the petition, operatives of the EFCC’s Special Task Fraud Section launched an investigation, successfully recovering ₦1,234,350,000 of the disbursed funds.
Speaking during the handover of the draft, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Enugu Zonal Director, Commander Daniel Isei, reiterated the Commission’s resolve to ensure public funds are utilized for their intended purposes.
“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against an individual or an agency of government, the EFCC will ensure that every act contrary to law is dealt with, and where possible, restitution is made to the victim,” Olukoyede stated. “We are glad to announce that in doing our job, we have been able to recover some of those monies given to Sujimoto Construction.”
The EFCC Chairman issued a stern warning to contractors handling government projects, urging them to strictly adhere to the Procurement Act and operational integrity.
He assured the state government that the investigation is ongoing to account for the balance of the funds.
“We will look at every facet of the petition and ensure that every kobo of the Enugu State government that is not accounted for is traced, tracked, and recovered. Where cases of criminality are established, the EFCC will take further steps of prosecution,” Olukoyede added.
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the Enugu State Government, Mr. Onyia commended the anti-graft agency for its professionalism and focus.
He noted that despite distractions in the public space regarding the matter, the EFCC conducted a thorough investigation that led to the recovery.
“EFCC, we thank you for being very focused on helping us recover this fund. This, for us, is a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency,” Onyia said.