The Enugu State Government has successfully retrieved ₦1.28 billion from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd. following investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for the construction of Smart Green Schools in the state.
The recovered sum, representing payments made to the company for projects that were either abandoned or largely unexecuted, was officially returned to the state government on Wednesday at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office.
The restitution was effected through a combination of cheques and bank drafts, according to a statement from Governor Peter Mbah’s media office.
Presenting the cheques, EFCC Enugu Zonal Director Daniel Ise stated that the recovery fulfilled the Commission’s statutory mandate to trace, recover, and return public funds lost to economic and financial crimes.
Ise explained that the recovery followed a petition submitted by the Enugu State Government, which prompted a comprehensive investigation.
“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 credited the progress to the diligence and professionalism of EFCC investigators.
Ise, however, clarified that the handover does not mark the end of the investigation.
He assured that inquiries would continue until all aspects of the petition are thoroughly examined, adding that any further unaccounted funds would also be traced and recovered.
He emphasized that where evidence of criminal conduct is found, the Commission would not hesitate to prosecute in accordance with the law.
Ise further warned contractors managing public projects to strictly comply with existing regulations, particularly the Public Procurement Act, stressing that accountability in government contract execution is non-negotiable.
Receiving the cheques on behalf of the state government, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, praised the EFCC for its professionalism and resilience amid public distractions surrounding the matter.
Onyia said the recovery demonstrates the Enugu State Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
He assured that the recovered funds would be reinvested in key infrastructure projects to enhance residents’ welfare.
“When we noticed a misalignment between our developmental objectives and project delivery, we approached the EFCC to help recover the funds,” he said, adding that investigations are ongoing and that the government remains determined to hold all defaulting contractors accountable.
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