EFCC Returns N1.28bn Recovered From Sujimoto To Enugu Over Failed Smart Schools Project
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has on Wednesday returned a total sum of N1.28 billion recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to the Enugu State Government, following investigations into the failed construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across the state.
The recovery followed allegations of fraud, contract breach and diversion of public funds linked to the school project, which stalled despite substantial advance payments made by the state government.
In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, the Commission disclosed that the recovery was triggered by a petition dated February 11, 2025, accusing Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited of collecting public funds without delivering on the agreed scope of work.
According to the petition, the Enugu State Government paid a total of N2.29 billion as advance payment for the construction of the 22 smart schools. However, the project deadline of January 2, 2025, elapsed without any meaningful progress.
The petition also identified the company’s Group Managing Director as jointly liable, citing persistent non-performance and alleged diversion of project funds.
Following the complaint, operatives of the EFCC’s Special Task Fraud Section under the Enugu Zonal Directorate commenced investigations, leading to the recovery of the funds.
Presenting the recovered cheques and bank drafts at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office, the Zonal Director, who represented the Chairman of the Commission, said the recovery was in line with the EFCC’s statutory mandate to trace, recover and return public funds lost to economic and financial crimes.
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“As of today, we have recovered drafts amounting to N1.234 billion and an additional N50 million, bringing the total recovery to N1.284 billion for the benefit of the Enugu State Government,” he said.
He stressed that investigations were ongoing and warned that the refund did not mark the end of the case, noting that prosecution would follow wherever criminal liability is established.
Receiving the funds on behalf of the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government commended the EFCC for its professionalism and resilience, describing the recovery as a testament to transparency, accountability and effective inter-agency collaboration.
He assured residents that the recovered funds would be reinvested in critical infrastructure projects and reiterated the state government’s resolve to hold defaulting contractors accountable.
The EFCC had earlier declared the company’s managing director wanted over alleged diversion of funds and money laundering, while urging members of the public with credible information on his whereabouts to come forward.