Breaking: Enugu Gets ₦1.2 Billion Back After EFCC Recovery From Sujimoto

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered ₦1.2 billion and returned it to the Enugu State Government over the failed construction of 22 smart schools by Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.

The recovered funds were handed over on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, following investigations that revealed the contractor had breached its agreement with the state.

According to the EFCC, the process began after a petition dated February 11, 2025, alleged fraud in the award of the smart schools project. The petition stated that ₦2,289,186,190.00 had been paid in advance to Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, yet the project remained incomplete past its January 2, 2025 deadline.

“The contractor’s persistent non-performance after the completion date clearly indicates an intention to defraud the Enugu State Government,” the petition noted, adding that Ogundele was jointly liable for refunding the funds due to a breach of contract and alleged diversion of project money.

Following the petition, the EFCC’s Special Task Fraud Section at the Enugu Zonal Directorate conducted investigations, leading to the recovery of ₦1,234,350,000.

Handing over the funds on behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Zonal Director Commander Daniel Isei reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to retrieving stolen public funds.

“Where economic and financial crimes target any government or agency, the EFCC will act to ensure restitution is made,” Isei said. “After receiving the petition from the Enugu State Government, we conducted our investigation and are pleased to have recovered part of the funds paid to Sujimoto Construction.”

Olukoyede, through his representative, warned contractors handling public funds to adhere strictly to the Procurement Act and maintain integrity in project execution. “Every kobo of Enugu State Government funds that is unaccounted for will be traced and recovered,” he said, adding that prosecution would follow where criminality is proven.

Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the state government, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Chidiebere Onyia commended the EFCC for its professionalism and focus despite public distractions surrounding the case.

Onyia emphasized that the recovery reflects the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible use of public funds under Governor Peter Mbah. He assured that the money would be reinvested in critical infrastructure projects to improve residents’ welfare.

“When we submitted the petition, there were numerous public distractions, but the EFCC remained professional, followed the money, and conducted thorough investigations,” Onyia said. “This recovery is a remarkable example of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency.”