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

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday returned over N1.2 billion recovered from Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to the Enugu State government.

The N1.2 billion was part of the money paid to the Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited boss by Enugu government for construction of 22 smart schools in the state.

The recovery action by the EFFC followed a petition, dated February 11, 2025 to the anti-graft agency by the Enugu State government that Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited failed to honour the agreement to construct the 22 smart schools in the state.

Enugu government had alleged in the petition that Ogundele was paid over N2.28 billion as an advance fee for the construction of the 22 smart schools in the State.

But the state government said by the 2nd January, 2025, the completion date of the project stated in the contract awards, the contactor failed to deliver on the project. It added that the failure 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 petitioner said.

Follwing the petition, operatives of the EFCC Special Task Fraud Section OF 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.

The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede handed over the money to Enugu State Government on Wednesday.

Represented by the Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Daniel Isei, Olukoyede reiterated the Commission’s commitment to recovering 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.

He also warned contractors, especially those entrusted with public funds to be mindful of the Procurement Act and be guided by integrity while handling public funds.

Olukoyede also vowed that EFCC will look at every facet of the petition against Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited and ensure that every kobo of Enugu State government that is not accounted for, is traced, tracked, and recovered.

“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. I advise that we continue to entrench professionalism in all that we do and on the part of other Nigerians that will be doing contracts for local governments, state or the federal governments to ensure that they are always guided by integrity, accountability and transparency in all they do. Every public fund that is given out must be adequately utilized or accounted for, else, the EFCC will move in and ensure that issues of economic and financial crimes are speedily dealt with”, he said.

wHILE receiving the draft on behalf of the Enugu State Government, Onyia lauded the EFCC for professionalism and dedication IT exhibited while recovering the money.

He noted that when the state submitted the petition, there were lots of distractions in the public space but the EFCC maintained its professional posture, followed the money and thorough investigations were done.

“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”, he said.