The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has handed over cheques totalling ₦1.28 billion to the Enugu State Government following investigations into the alleged diversion of funds paid to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd for the construction of Smart Green Schools across the state.

The recovered sum, linked to projects reported to be abandoned or substantially unexecuted, was formally presented on Wednesday at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office. The restitution was made through a combination of bank drafts and cheques, according to a statement issued by the media office of Governor Peter Mbah.

Presenting the cheques, the EFCC Zonal Director in Enugu, Daniel Ise, said the recovery was carried out in line with the Commission’s mandate to trace, recover and return public funds lost to economic and financial crimes. He explained that the action followed a petition submitted by the Enugu State Government, which prompted a detailed 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 attributed the recovery to the diligence and professionalism of EFCC investigators but stressed that the handover did not mark the end of the case. According to him, investigations would continue until all aspects of the petition are fully examined, adding that any further unaccounted funds would be traced and recovered. He noted that where evidence of criminal conduct is established, the Commission would proceed with prosecution in line with the law.

Ise also warned contractors handling public projects to adhere strictly to extant regulations, particularly the Public Procurement Act, emphasising that accountability in the execution of government contracts remained non-negotiable.

Receiving the cheques on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, praised the EFCC for what he described as professionalism and resilience despite distractions in the public space surrounding the matter. He said the recovery underscored the Enugu State Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources under Governor Mbah’s administration.

Onyia assured that the recovered funds would be reinvested in critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents. “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 were ongoing and that the government remained determined to hold defaulting contractors accountable.