Failed Smart Schools Project: EFCC Recovers N1.2bn From…

The unwavering commitment of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has helped Enugu government recover over N1.2billion in relation to a failed smart schools project.

The sum of N1, 234,350,000 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-four Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) was on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in lieu of the recovered sum was handed to the Enugu State government.

According to the EFCC, the said sum was recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, for failure to honour the agreement between it and the state, over the construction of 22 smart schools in the state.

The Commission had received a petition, dated February 11, 2025 wherein it was notified of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited’s alleged fraudulent act, regarding the construction of 22 smart schools in the state.

While identifying one Dr. Olasijibomi Ogundele as the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, the petitioner alleged that the sum of N2, 289, 186, 190. 00 (Two billion, Two hundred and Eighty-nine million, One hundred and Eighty-six thousand, One hundred and ninety Naira) was paid to Ogundele as an advance fee for the construction of the 22 smart schools in the State.

“As the completion date stated in the contract awards lapsed on 2nd January 2025, the persistent nonperformance of the contractor as shown by the documents, 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.

According to the commission, operatives of its Special Task Fraud Section attached to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, swung into action leading to the recovery of 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 commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede was represented at the handing over ceremony the Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Daniel Isei .

Speaking, Isei stated:  “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.

While warning contractors, especially those entrusted with public funds to be mindful of the Procurement Act and be guided by integrity while handling public funds, Olukoyede said that the Commission would 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.

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“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, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia lauded the Commission for its professionalism and dedication exhibited while recovering the money.

He noted that when the state submitted the petition over the smart schools project, 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.