The Enugu State Government has recovered a total sum of ₦1.28 billion from 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 across the state.
The recovered funds, which represent part of the payments earlier made to the construction firm for projects said to be either abandoned or substantially unexecuted, were formally handed over to the Enugu State Government on Wednesday at the EFCC Zonal Office in Enugu.
According to a statement issued by the media office of Governor Peter Mbah, the restitution was effected through a combination of bank drafts and cheques after weeks of investigation by anti-graft operatives.
Presenting the cheques to state officials, the EFCC Zonal Director in Enugu, Daniel Ise, explained that the recovery was in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate to trace, recover and return public funds lost to economic and financial crimes.
Ise disclosed that the action followed a petition submitted by the Enugu State Government, which prompted a comprehensive investigation into the execution of the Smart Green Schools project awarded to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd.
“As of today, we have recovered drafts amounting to ₦1,234,350,000 and an additional ₦50,000,000, bringing the total recovery to ₦1,284,350,000 for the benefit of the Enugu State Government,” Ise said.
He attributed the recovery to the diligence, professionalism and commitment of EFCC investigators, noting that the Commission would continue to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
However, the EFCC director clarified that the handover of the recovered funds did not mark the end of the investigation. He said inquiries into the matter were still ongoing to ensure that all aspects of the petition were fully examined.
Ise warned that any further unaccounted funds linked to the project would be traced and recovered, while those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. He also cautioned contractors handling government projects to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, stressing that accountability in the execution of public contracts remains 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 its professionalism and resilience despite what he described as distractions and public speculation surrounding the matter.
Onyia said the recovery underscored the commitment of the Mbah administration to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.
“When we observed a clear misalignment between our development objectives and project delivery, we approached the EFCC to assist in recovering the funds,” he said.
He assured residents that the recovered ₦1.28 billion would be reinvested into critical infrastructure projects across the state, particularly in sectors that directly improve the welfare of the people.
The Enugu State Government reaffirmed its determination to hold defaulting contractors accountable and ensure that public funds are utilised strictly for their intended purposes.
