Enugu Govt Recovers ₦1.28bn From Sujimoto as EFCC Hands Over Cheques, Assures More Recoveries
The Enugu State Government has recovered a total sum of ₦1.28 billion from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd., owned by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, following investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for the construction of Smart Green Schools in the state.
The recovered funds, which form part of payments made to the company for projects reportedly abandoned or substantially unexecuted, were on Wednesday formally handed over to the state government at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office through bank drafts and cheques.
Presenting the drafts and cheques, the EFCC Zonal Director in Enugu, Mr. Daniel Ise, said the recovery was in furtherance of the Commission’s statutory mandate to trace, recover and restitute public funds lost to economic and financial crimes.
He disclosed that the recovery followed a petition submitted by the Enugu State Government, which prompted the Commission to commence investigations into the matter.
“As of today, we have been able to recover drafts to the tune of ₦1,234,350,000 and an additional ₦50 million, bringing the total recovery to ₦1,284,350,000 for the benefit of the Enugu State Government,” Ise stated.
He attributed the recovery to the diligence and professionalism of EFCC officers handling the case, but stressed that the handover did not signify the conclusion of investigations.
“This does not mark the end of the case. We will look at every facet of the petition to ensure that every kobo belonging to the Enugu State Government that is not accounted for is tracked and recovered. Where evidence of criminality is established, prosecution will follow in line with the law,” he said.
The EFCC boss further warned contractors to adhere strictly to extant laws, particularly the Procurement Act, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with governments at all levels to safeguard public resources.
Receiving the cheques on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the EFCC for what he described as its professionalism, focus and resilience, despite what he referred to as “distractions and noise in the public space” surrounding the case.
Prof. Onyia said the recovery reflected the Enugu State Government’s commitment to transparency, traceability and accountability, which he noted are central to the governance philosophy of Governor Peter Mbah.
He assured that the recovered funds would be reinvested in critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the people of the state.
“When there was a misalignment between our intent to deploy taxpayers’ money for development and what we saw in terms of delivery, we approached the EFCC to help us recover the funds. Today marks the beginning of that recovery process, and we are pleased with the outcome so far,” he said.
The SSG further disclosed that the state government had earlier instituted legal action against the contractor and petitioned the EFCC to ensure that due process was followed, in order to avoid complications or future litigation.
He added that investigations were still ongoing and declined to pre-empt their outcome, while reiterating the government’s resolve to hold all contractors accountable.
According to him, any contractor who fails to deliver value for public funds would face appropriate legal consequences, based on the advice of the state’s legal authorities.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
