Group Backs EFCC, Enugu Govt, Demands Sujimoto Refund N5.7bn Smart Schools Funds

The Enugu State Patriots have declared support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Enugu State Government in their efforts to recover ₦5.7 billion allegedly diverted by Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.

The funds were reportedly paid to the company, led by its Chief Executive Officer Olasijibomi Ogundele, for the construction of 22 out of 260 Smart Green Schools under the state’s education development project.

The government had accused Ogundele of defrauding the state of ₦5.76 billion, prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted on allegations of money laundering and fund diversion.

Following the declaration, a video surfaced showing Ogundele denying the allegations and insisting he was innocent.

In a statement on Monday, spokesperson of the Enugu Patriots, Prof. Mathiine Anikwe, said the high budgetary allocation of over 30% in 2024 and 33% in 2025 for education under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration reflected the state’s strong commitment to transforming the sector.

> “No one can blame the government for awarding the contract to Sujimoto, given its track record in Lagos. But having failed to deliver value for money here, we advise Ogundele to wipe his crocodile tears and return the money to Ndi Enugu. Period,” Anikwe stated.

The group also noted that other contractors working on multiple Smart Green School projects in the state had commended the government’s monitoring system and were meeting both quality standards and deadlines.