- EFCC Recovers ₦1.2bn From Sujimoto, Refunds Enugu Government
- Contractor failed to execute project
- • Enugu government to reinvest recovered funds in critical infrastructure
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered ₦1.2 billion from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited and refunded the sum to the Enugu State Government over a failed contract for the construction of 22 smart schools in the state.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the recovered funds were officially handed over on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, following investigations which established that the contractor failed to execute the project despite receiving substantial advance payments from the state government.
The anti graft agency disclosed that it received a petition dated February 11, 2025, alleging fraud in the award and execution of the smart schools project. According to the petition, a total sum of ₦2,289,186,190 was paid as advance payment to Dr Olasijibomi Ogundele, identified as the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.
The petitioner stated that the project deadline of January 2, 2025, elapsed without any meaningful work carried out on the sites, describing the contractor’s persistent non performance as clear evidence of an intention to defraud the Enugu State Government. The petition further alleged diversion of project funds and described the breach of contract as irremediable, making the contractor liable for refund.
Following investigations by operatives of the EFCC’s Special Task Fraud Section attached to the Enugu Zonal Directorate, a total of ₦1,234,350,000 was recovered.
Presenting the funds on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the Zonal Director and Commander of the EFCC, Daniel Isei, said the Commission remains resolute in recovering public funds lost to economic and financial crimes.
“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.
Olukoyede, through his representative, warned contractors handling public funds to strictly comply with the Procurement Act, stressing that every unaccounted kobo would be traced and recovered, with prosecution to follow where criminality is established.
Receiving the funds, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the EFCC for its professionalism, noting that the recovery reflects the state government’s commitment to transparency and accountability under Governor Peter Mbah. He assured that the funds would be reinvested in critical infrastructure projects across the state.
