EFCC Recovers N1.28bn for Enugu State Following Investigation into Contract Mismanagement

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered a total of N1.284 billion for the Enugu State Government after an investigation into alleged project fund diversion by a construction firm.

The recovery followed a petition that accused the company and its Group Managing Director, Olasijibomi Ogundele, of failing to deliver on project commitments and diverting funds meant for state projects. The petition prompted the EFCC’s Special Task Fraud Section in Enugu to launch a probe into the matter.

During the investigation, operatives traced and recovered multiple bank drafts and cheques totaling N1,284,350,000, which were later handed over to Enugu State officials.

Speaking at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office during the handover, EFCC Zonal Director Commander Daniel Isei, representing the Commission’s chairman, confirmed the amount recovered and emphasized the commission’s role in recovering public funds lost to financial crimes.

“As of today, we have recovered drafts amounting to N1,234,350,000 and an additional N50,000,000, bringing the total recovery to N1,284,350,000 for the benefit of the Enugu State Government,” Isei stated.

He added that the commission would continue to pursue accountability in public spending and warned contractors to adhere strictly to the Public Procurement Act.

“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against any level of government, the EFCC will ensure that every act contrary to law is dealt with and that restitution is made to the victim where possible,” he said.

Isei also noted that the handover does not mark the end of the matter, revealing that investigations are ongoing and prosecution would follow if criminal liability is established.

Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the state government, Enugu State Secretary to the Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, praised the EFCC for its professionalism and resilience despite public distractions surrounding the case.

“This recovery is a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration, transparency and accountability,” Onyia said.

He further reiterated the administration of Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to prudent management of public resources and confirmed that the recovered funds would be redirected into key infrastructure projects to improve living standards in the state.

“When we noticed a misalignment between our developmental objectives and project delivery, we approached the EFCC to help recover the funds,” Onyia added.

The EFCC had previously declared Ogundele wanted in September 2025 over alleged fund diversion and money laundering. He later released a video on social media indicating his intention to surrender to the commission.