Enugu Govt Recovers Over ₦1.28bn from Sujimoto CEO Over Alleged Smart Green Schools Funds Diversion
The Enugu State Government has successfully recovered over ₦1.28 billion from Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd., following investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for the construction of Smart Green Schools in the state.
Akahi News learnt that the recovered sum represents part of payments made to the company for projects that were reportedly abandoned or substantially unexecuted. The funds were formally handed over to the state government on Wednesday at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office through a series of bank drafts and cheques.
The recovery marks a significant step in the state’s drive to strengthen accountability in public project execution and ensure that taxpayers’ resources are properly utilised.
EFCC Details Recovery Process and Ongoing Investigation
Presenting the bank drafts and cheques, the EFCC Zonal Director in Enugu, Mr. Daniel Ise, explained that the recovery was carried out in line with the Commission’s statutory responsibility to trace, recover, and restitute public funds lost to economic and financial crimes.
According to him, the recovery followed a formal petition submitted by the Enugu State Government, which triggered a comprehensive investigation by the anti-graft agency.
“As of today, we have been able to recover drafts to the tune of ₦1,234,350,000 and an additional ₦50,000,000, bringing the total to ₦1,284,350,000 for the benefit of the Enugu State Government,” Ise said. He attributed the progress recorded so far to the diligence and professionalism of EFCC officers handling the matter.
However, the EFCC boss stressed that the handover does not signify the end of the investigation. He assured that all aspects of the petition would continue to be examined to ensure that every kobo unaccounted for is traced and recovered.
“This does not mark the end of the case. We will look at every facet of the petition to ensure that every kobo belonging to the Enugu State Government that is not accounted for is tracked and recovered,” he stated, while urging contractors to comply strictly with extant laws, particularly the Public Procurement Act.
He further reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to collaborating with governments at all levels to safeguard public resources, warning that accountability in the execution of public contracts remains non-negotiable.
Akahi News gathered that where sufficient evidence of criminality is established, the Commission would proceed with prosecution in accordance with the law.
Enugu Govt Commends EFCC, Reaffirms Transparency Drive
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed deep appreciation to the EFCC for what he described as its professionalism, focus, and resilience, despite what he termed “distractions and noise in the public space” surrounding the matter.
Prof. Onyia said the recovery underscores the administration’s firm commitment to transparency, traceability, and accountability, principles he noted are central to the governance philosophy of Governor Peter Mbah. He assured that the recovered funds would be reinvested in infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life of residents in the state.
“When there was a misalignment between our intent to use taxpayers’ money for development and what we saw in terms of delivery, we approached the EFCC to help us recover the funds,” he said. “Today marks the beginning of that recovery process, and we are pleased with the outcome so far.”
The SSG further disclosed that the state government had earlier instituted legal action against the contractor and also petitioned the EFCC, allowing due process to run its full course in order to avoid complications or future litigation. He added that investigations are still ongoing and declined to speculate on their eventual outcome.
Government Warns Contractors on Accountability
Prof. Onyia reiterated the government’s resolve to hold all contractors accountable for projects awarded to them. He emphasised that any contractor who fails to deliver value for public funds would face appropriate legal consequences based on the advice of the state’s legal authorities.
Observers say the recovery sends a strong signal to contractors and public officers alike that mismanagement of public funds will not be tolerated. Analysts also believe the development could strengthen public confidence in institutional efforts to combat corruption and promote responsible governance.
Akahi News learnt that the Smart Green Schools initiative is a flagship education infrastructure programme designed to modernise learning environments across Enugu State, making the accountability surrounding its funding particularly critical.
As investigations continue, stakeholders await further disclosures from the EFCC on the final outcome of the case and the possibility of prosecution, should evidence warrant such action.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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