The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has announced the recovery of ₦1.2 billion from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited over an alleged failure to comply with its contractual agreement with the Enugu State government for the construction of 22 smart schools.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commission confirmed that the recovered sum has been returned to the Enugu State government, describing the move as part of its sustained commitment to combating corruption, economic and financial crimes, and recovering public funds that were misappropriated or left unutilised by fraudulent actors.
According to the EFCC, the recovery followed a petition received on February 11, 2025, alleging fraudulent conduct by Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited in relation to the school construction project.
“While identifying one Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele as the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, the petitioner alleged that the sum of N2, 289, 186, 190. 00 (Two billion, Two hundred and Eighty-nine million, One hundred and Eighty-six thousand, One hundred and ninety Naira) was paid to Ogundele as an advance fee for the construction of the 22 smart schools in the State.
“As the completion date stated in the contract awards lapsed on 2nd January 2025, the persistent nonperformance of the contractor as shown by the documents, is clear evidence of intention to defraud the state government.
“We identify Ogundele as the Group Managing Director of the company and jointly liable for the refund of the state funds, following an irremediable breach of the terms of the contract and diversion of the project funds towards personal or other uses unconnected to the contract,” the EFCC quoted the petitioner as saying.
The Commission explained that following the petition, operatives of the Special Task Fraud Section attached to its Enugu Zonal Directorate commenced investigations, which led to the recovery of N1, 234,350,000 for the state government.
“Reacting to the petition, operatives of the Special Task Fraud Section attached to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission swung into action, and the sum of N1, 234,350,000 (One billion, Two hundred and thirty-four million, Three hundred and fifty thousand Naira) was recovered for the state government”.
During the formal handover of the recovered funds, the Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate, Commander of the Commission, CE Daniel Isei, who represented the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to ensure restitution in cases involving public funds.
“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.
“It is on this basis that we received your petition as a state government that there was a case that needed EFCC to do as mandated by law.
“We are glad to announce to you that in doing our job, we have been able to recover some of those monies that were given to Sujimoto Construction”, he said.
The EFCC Chairman also warned contractors handling public projects to strictly adhere to the Procurement Act and uphold integrity in the management of public funds. He stressed that the Commission would thoroughly examine every aspect of the petition against Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to ensure full recovery of all unaccounted funds belonging to the Enugu State government.
“Where cases of criminality are established, the EFCC will take further steps of prosecution. That must be clearly understood.
“For us, we will continue to expect that people align their activities to processes and procedures. People must work clearly in line with extant laws, particularly the Procurement Act. Also, it is very important that where due diligence is applied in all cases, prevention will come into play”, the statement added.
What you should know
The EFCC’s recovery of ₦1.2 billion from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited highlights ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in the execution of public projects.
The case centres on alleged nonperformance after a large advance payment for the construction of smart schools in Enugu State.
Beyond recovering funds, the Commission has signalled its readiness to pursue further investigations and prosecutions where criminal liability is established, reinforcing its stance that public funds must be fully accounted for and properly utilised.
