By Patrick Idowu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has recovered ₦1.2 billion from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited over an alleged breach of contract involving the construction of 22 smart schools for the Enugu State Government.
The Commission disclosed on Wednesday that the recovered funds have been returned to the Enugu State Government, reaffirming its commitment to combating corruption and recovering misappropriated public funds.
According to the EFCC, the recovery followed a petition received on February 11, 2025, alleging fraud and non-performance by Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited in the execution of the school project.
The petition alleged that ₦2.28 billion was paid to the company as advance payment for the project, but that the contractor failed to deliver, even after the contract completion deadline of January 2, 2025 elapsed. The EFCC identified Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, Group Managing Director of the firm, as jointly liable for the refund due to what it described as an irremediable breach of contract.
Acting on the petition, operatives of the Commission’s Enugu Zonal Directorate recovered ₦1,234,350,000 for the state government.
Speaking during the handover, the EFCC Zonal Director, CE Daniel Isei, representing the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reiterated the Commission’s resolve to ensure restitution in cases of economic and financial crimes.
He warned contractors handling public funds to adhere strictly to the Procurement Act, adding that the EFCC would pursue full recovery of unaccounted funds and prosecute offenders where criminality is established.