By The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered ₦1.2 billion belonging to the Enugu State Government from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, a Lagos-based real estate firm, over its failure to execute a contract for the construction of 22 smart schools in the state.
The anti-graft agency confirmed that the recovered funds were formally handed over to the Enugu State Government on Wednesday following investigations triggered by a petition against the company and its Group Managing Director, Sijibomi Ogundele.
According to the EFCC, the state government alleged that Sujimoto Luxury Construction failed to make meaningful progress on the project despite the contract completion deadline expiring on January 2, 2025.
“The persistent non-performance of the contractor, as shown by the documents, is clear evidence of an intention to defraud the Enugu State Government,” the Commission quoted from the petition.
The petition further alleged an irremediable breach of contract, diversion of project funds, and identified Ogundele as being jointly liable for the refund of the monies released for the project.
Following the complaint, operatives of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate, specifically from the Special Task Fraud Section, commenced investigations, which led to the recovery of ₦1,234,350,000 from the construction firm.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the Zonal Director of the Enugu Directorate, Commander of the EFCC, Daniel Isei, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to recovering public funds and ensuring accountability.
“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against individuals, government agencies, or the government itself, the EFCC will ensure that such acts are dealt with according to the law and that restitution is made to the victims where possible,” Isei said.
He added that the Commission acted on the petition in line with its statutory mandate and would continue to pursue the matter until all unaccounted funds belonging to Enugu State are fully recovered.
Olukoyede, in a statement issued through the Commission, warned contractors handling public funds to strictly adhere to the Procurement Act and uphold integrity, accountability, and transparency in project execution.
“The EFCC will examine every aspect of the petition against Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited and ensure that every kobo of Enugu State funds is traced, tracked, and recovered. Where criminality is established, prosecution will follow,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman further stressed that due diligence, professionalism, and compliance with extant laws remain critical in preventing economic and financial crimes, urging contractors at all levels of government to conduct their activities responsibly.
“Every public fund released must be properly utilized or fully accounted for. Failure to do so will attract the swift intervention of the EFCC,” he added.
