The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total sum of ₦1.28 billion recovered from a contractor linked to Sujimoto Construction Limited to the Enugu State Government.
The recovered funds were linked to a contract awarded for the construction of smart school projects in Enugu State, which investigations revealed were either abandoned or improperly executed, despite full or substantial payments being made.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, EFCC officials disclosed that the recovery followed a detailed financial investigation into the handling of public funds allocated for the education infrastructure project. The probe uncovered significant discrepancies between funds released and work delivered on site.
The commission stressed that the recovery was part of its broader mandate to ensure accountability in public procurement and to return misappropriated funds to the rightful owners, particularly state governments.
Receiving the funds on behalf of the Enugu State Government, state officials commended the EFCC for its intervention, describing the recovery as a major boost to ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and rebuild public trust in governance.
The Enugu State Government assured that the recovered ₦1.28bn would be rechannelled into critical development projects, especially within the education sector, to ensure the original objectives of the smart school initiative are achieved.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to pursuing similar cases involving abandoned projects and misuse of public funds across the country, warning contractors and public officials that accountability remains non-negotiable.
