Enugu, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, formally handed over the sum of N1,234,350,000 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-four Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) to the Enugu State Government. The funds were recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited following allegations of fraud and breach of contract related to the construction of 22 smart schools across the state.
The handover ceremony took place at the EFCC's Enugu Zonal Directorate, where representatives of the anti-graft agency presented bank drafts and cheques to officials from Enugu State. The recovery marks a significant step in addressing claims that public funds were misappropriated after the company failed to deliver on a major infrastructure project awarded under the previous administration.
According to an official statement from the EFCC, the action stemmed from a petition dated February 11, 2025, submitted by the Enugu State Government. The petition accused Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited of fraudulent conduct in connection with the contract for building 22 smart schools intended to modernize education infrastructure in the state. The petitioner identified Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele as the Group Managing Director of the company and alleged that he received an advance payment of N2,289,186,190 (Two Billion, Two Hundred and Eighty-nine Million, One Hundred and Eighty-six Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Naira) for the project.
The contract specified a completion date of January 2, 2025. However, as that deadline passed without substantial progress, the state government cited persistent nonperformance, supported by documentation, as evidence of an intent to defraud. The petition further claimed an "irremediable breach" of contract terms, with funds allegedly diverted for personal or unrelated purposes, rendering Ogundele jointly liable for restitution.
In response, operatives from the EFCC's Special Task Fraud Section, attached to the Enugu Zonal Directorate, launched a thorough investigation. Their efforts traced and recovered N1,234,350,000 from the company, which was subsequently returned to the state as partial restitution. Reports from various sources indicate that the total recovered amount presented included additional sums, bringing some estimates to N1.28 billion through multiple drafts and cheques, though the core figure cited in the EFCC statement remains N1.234 billion.
Representing EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede at the event, Zonal Director Commander CE Daniel Isei emphasized the agency's dedication to combating economic and financial crimes. "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," Isei stated. He highlighted the Commission's role in acting on the state's petition and successfully tracing misappropriated funds.
Isei reiterated warnings to contractors handling public projects, urging strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act and principles of integrity. "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," he said. He stressed the importance of due diligence, professionalism, accountability, and transparency in public contracts, noting that any unaccounted public funds would be pursued relentlessly. Where criminality is established, he added, prosecution would follow.
The EFCC has pledged to examine every aspect of the petition against Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, committing to trace, track, and recover any remaining unaccounted sums belonging to Enugu State.
Receiving the funds on behalf of the Enugu State Government, Secretary to the State Government Onyia commended the EFCC for its professionalism and focus. He acknowledged initial public distractions surrounding the case but praised the agency for maintaining an impartial stance, conducting thorough investigations, and following the money trail diligently. "EFCC, we thank you for being very focused on helping us recover this fund. This, for us, is a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency," Onyia remarked.
The smart schools project was part of broader efforts to enhance educational facilities in Enugu, incorporating modern technology and infrastructure to improve learning outcomes. The alleged failure to execute the contract despite substantial advance payments drew significant attention, especially amid earlier reports that the total contract value reached around N5.7 billion, with claims that the CEO had absconded after receiving funds.
In September 2025, the EFCC had declared Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele wanted in connection with related allegations of fund diversion and money laundering tied to the project. The recent recovery and handover represent progress in resolving the matter, though investigations continue to ensure full accountability.
This development underscores the EFCC's ongoing push to recover looted or mismanaged public funds across Nigeria, particularly in cases involving state governments and private contractors. It also highlights the importance of robust oversight in public procurement to prevent abuse and ensure value for money in infrastructure projects.
Enugu State officials expressed optimism that the returned funds would be redirected toward educational initiatives or other priority areas, while the EFCC's assurance of further recoveries offers hope for retrieving any outstanding amounts. The case serves as a cautionary tale for entities entrusted with public resources, reinforcing that breaches of contract and financial impropriety will face swift regulatory and legal consequences.
As Nigeria grapples with challenges in infrastructure delivery and public fund management, collaborative efforts between anti-corruption agencies and state governments like this one demonstrate a pathway toward greater accountability and restitution for affected citizens.
