The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has handed over a total of ₦1.28 billion recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to the Enugu State Government over alleged mismanagement of funds earmarked for the construction of Smart Green Schools across the state.
The funds were officially presented to the state government on Wednesday at the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Office, following investigations into payments made for projects that were reportedly abandoned or largely unexecuted.
According to a statement issued by the Enugu State Government, the recovery was effected through a combination of bank drafts and cheques.
Presenting the cheques, the EFCC Zonal Director in Enugu, Daniel Ise, said the action was part of the Commission’s statutory responsibility to recover public funds lost to economic and financial crimes.
“This recovery is in line with the EFCC’s mandate to trace, recover, and return funds belonging to the government and the people,” Ise said.
“So far, we have recovered ₦1,234,350,000 in bank drafts and an additional ₦50 million, bringing the total amount to ₦1,284,350,000.”
He explained that the recovery followed a petition submitted by the Enugu State Government, which prompted a detailed investigation by the Commission.
Ise emphasised that the handover of the funds did not mark the end of the case, noting that investigations were still ongoing.
“This process is not concluded. We will continue our investigations, and if further unaccounted funds are discovered, they will be recovered. Where evidence of criminal conduct is established, prosecution will follow in line with the law,” he added.
The EFCC director also warned contractors handling public projects to adhere strictly to relevant laws, including the Public Procurement Act, stressing that accountability in the execution of government contracts is non-negotiable.
Receiving the cheques on behalf of the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the EFCC for what he described as professionalism and resilience.
“This recovery reflects our administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the prudent use of public funds,” Onyia said.
“When we observed a gap between project delivery and our developmental objectives, we approached the EFCC to assist in recovering the funds.”
He assured that the recovered money would be channelled into critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents of the state.
Onyia added that the state government remains determined to hold all defaulting contractors accountable, noting that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
