Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency says it has handed over more than ₦1.2bn ($1.3m) recovered from a luxury construction company to the Enugu State government, following an investigation into an abandoned schools project.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the money was recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited over its failure to deliver 22 “smart schools” awarded by the state government.
In a statement on Wednesday, the commission said Enugu State had paid about ₦2.29bn as an advance for the project, which was due for completion by January 2025 but was not carried out.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe EFCC said it acted after receiving a petition in February 2025 alleging fraud and breach of contract by the company and its managing director, Dr Olasijibomi Ogundele.
Investigators recovered ₦1,234,350,000, which was formally handed over to the state government on 21 January.
Representing the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the commission’s Enugu zonal director, Daniel Isei, said the agency would continue to pursue the recovery of public funds.
“Where public funds are involved and there is evidence of economic or financial crime, the EFCC will ensure restitution is made where possible,” he said, adding that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
Mr Olukoyede also warned contractors handling public projects to comply strictly with procurement laws, saying the commission would trace and recover “every kobo” of public money found to be unaccounted for.
“I Joined Before the UN Bombing,” Suspect Tells Court
EFCC Arrest of Bauchi Finance Commissioner Triggers Political Firestorm – Bala Mohammed
EFCC Begins Investigation of 32 Suspects in Alleged Ponzi, Employment Fraud in Uyo
He said prosecution would follow where criminal conduct is established.
The EFCC did not say whether charges have already been filed against Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited or its executives.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
