EFCC returns N1.2bn recovered from Sujimoto to Enugu govt

BLESSING OMALE, Abuja , COSMAS CHUKWU, Enugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over N1.234 billion recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to the Enugu State government.

The handover, which took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, followed an investigation into allegations that Sujimoto failed to fulfil its contractual obligations in a major educational infrastructure project.

According to the EFCC, the recovered funds were part of a larger advance payment of N2.289 billion made to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited for the construction of 22 smart schools in Enugu State.

A petition dated February 11, 2025, alleged that the contractor, led by its Group Managing Director, Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, received the advance payment but failed to deliver on the project.

The petition further claimed that the contractor’s nonperformance indicated an intention to defraud the state government and that project funds may have been diverted for personal or unrelated uses.

The contract’s completion date, January 2, 2025, had long passed with little to no progress, prompting the state to seek intervention from the EFCC.

Following the petition, the Special Task Fraud Section of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate initiated an investigation and recovered N1.234 billion from Sujimoto.

The Enugu Zonal Director of the EFCC, Commander CE Daniel Isei, who represented EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during the handover, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to recovering public funds and ensuring accountability.

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

Isei also used the occasion to warn contractors and service providers handling public funds to comply strictly with the Procurement Act and to demonstrate integrity in their operations.

He added that the EFCC would continue to track every kobo of public money and ensure full recovery where irregularities are established.

“Where cases of criminality are established, the EFCC will take further steps of prosecution,” he said.

Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the Enugu State government, a representative identified as Onyia commended the EFCC for its professionalism and dedication throughout the investigation.

He noted that despite distractions in the public space when the petition was submitted, the EFCC maintained a focused and methodical approach, tracing the funds and ensuring thorough investigation.

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

The EFCC has stated that it will continue to examine all facets of the petition against Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited and ensure that any remaining unaccounted funds are traced, tracked, and recovered.