The Enugu State Patriots have backed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Enugu State Government in their bid to recover N5.7 billion paid to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited for the construction of 22 out of 260 Smart Green Schools in the state.
The state government accused Sujimoto’s CEO, Olasijibomi Ogundele, of defrauding Enugu of N5.76 billion intended for the construction of the schools. Ogundele was declared wanted by the EFCC last Friday on allegations of money laundering and fund diversion.
Following the allegations, a video emerged showing Ogundele denying any wrongdoing and insisting he is ready to clear his name.
In a statement on Monday, Enugu Patriots spokesperson, Professor Mathiine Anikwe, said: “The fact that education accounted for over 30 per cent of the 2024 budget and 33 per cent in 2025 underscores the priority the Mbah administration places on the sector. That is massive and is reflected in the 260 Smart Green Schools project.”
Anikwe added: “No one can blame the government for awarding the contract to Sujimoto given its projects in Lagos. But having failed to show value for money here, we advise Ogundele to clean his crocodile tears and return the money to Ndi Enugu. Period.”
The statement also highlighted that other contractors working on multiple Smart Green School projects expressed satisfaction with the government’s system and were delivering according to schedule and standards.
They commended the government’s substantial investment in modernising education infrastructure, aiming to equip Enugu children with the skills needed to compete globally.
