General
Smart Schools: EFCC Recovers N1.2bn from Sujimoto for Enugu
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About N1.2 billion has been recovered from a prominent real estate company, Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and handed over to the Enugu State government.
Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited is owned by Mr Olasijibomi Ogundele.
The EFCC handed over the money to the state government on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after recovery from the company in line with its unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes and the recovery of public funds misappropriated or unutilized by fraudulent actors.
Sujimoto was contracted by the Enugu State government for the construction of 22 smart schools in the state.
On February 11, 2025, the EFCC received a petition against Sujimoto, stating that the sum of N2.289 billion was paid to Mr Ogundele as an advance fee for the construction of the 22 smart schools in the State.
“As the completion date stated in the contract awards lapsed on January 2, 2025, the persistent non-performance of the contractor as shown by the documents, is clear evidence of intention to defraud the state government.
“We identify Ogundele as the Group Managing Director of the company and jointly liable for the refund of the state funds, following an irremediable breach of the terms of the contract and diversion of the project funds towards personal or other uses unconnected to the contract,” the petitioner said.
Reacting to the petition, operatives of the Special Task Fraud Section attached to the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the commission, swung into action and the sum of N1, 234,350,000 was recovered for the state government.
Representing the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, during the handing over, the Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, Mr Daniel Isei, reiterated the commission’s commitment to recovering public funds.
“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against an individual or an agency of government, against government itself, the EFCC will ensure that every act that is contrary to law is dealt with, and where possible, restitution is made to the victim. It is on this basis that we received your petition as a state government that there was a case that needed EFCC to do as mandated by law. We are glad to announce to you that in doing our job, we have been able to recover some of those monies that were given to Sujimoto Construction,” he said.
While warning contractors, especially those entrusted with public funds to be mindful of the Procurement Act and be guided by integrity while handling public funds, Mr Olukoyede said that the commission will look at every facet of the petition against Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited and ensure that every kobo of Enugu State government that is not accounted for, is traced, tracked, and recovered.
“Where cases of criminality are established, the EFCC will take further steps of prosecution. That must be clearly understood. For us, we will continue to expect that people align their activities to processes and procedures. People must work clearly in line with extant laws, particularly the Procurement Act. Also, it is very important that where due diligence is applied in all cases, prevention will come into play.
“I advise that we continue to entrench professionalism in all that we do and on the part of other Nigerians that will be doing contracts for local governments, state or the federal governments to ensure that they are always guided by integrity, accountability and transparency in all they do. Every public fund that is given out must be adequately utilized or accounted for, else, the EFCC will move in and ensure that issues of economic and financial crimes are speedily dealt with”, he said.
Receiving the draft on behalf of the Enugu State Government, Mr Onyia lauded the commission for its professionalism and dedication exhibited while recovering the money. He noted that when the state submitted the petition, there were lots of distractions in the public space but the EFCC maintained its professional posture, followed the money and thorough investigations were done.
“EFCC, we thank you for being very focused on helping us recover this fund. This, for us, is a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency,” he said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has intensified its compliance drive in the oil and gas midstream segment, convening a high-level sensitisation workshop aimed at deepening adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
The workshop, themed Compliance with the Provisions of the NOGICD Act 2010: A Pathway to Industrialization, held in Lagos, drew key operators across gas processing, transportation, storage and infrastructure development.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Felix Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Mr Omomehin Ajimijaye, described the midstream sector as “a critical bridge between upstream production and downstream utilisation.”
“The midstream segment plays a pivotal role in gas processing, transportation, storage and infrastructure development, all of which are essential pillars for achieving Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda,” Mr Ajimijaye said.
Mr Ajimijaye stressed that adherence to the NOGICD Act goes beyond regulatory obligation.
“Compliance with the NOGICD Act is not merely a statutory requirement,” he stated. “It is a strategic imperative for sustainable national development.”
He explained that the programme was structured to clarify registration processes, Nigerian Content Equipment Certification, expatriate quota requirements, statutory reporting templates and submission timelines.
“Our objective is to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of compliance requirements, address recurring gaps identified during Monitoring and Evaluation reviews, and foster constructive dialogue on operational realities within the midstream space,” he added.
According to Mr Ajimijaye, the board has received feedback from operators highlighting challenges in meeting Nigerian Content obligations, including reporting complexities and varying interpretations of certain provisions of the Act.
“As a responsive regulator and development-focused institution, we remain committed not only to enforcing compliance but also to providing guidance, clarity and the necessary support to enable stakeholders succeed,” he assured participants.
With Nigeria positioning gas as a transition fuel and economic growth driver, regulatory clarity in the midstream space is essential to unlocking investment and local capacity development.
The participants received technical presentations from key NCDMB divisions, including: Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Project Certification and Authorisation Division, Capacity Building Division and Zonal Coordination Division.
The interactive sessions provided practical guidance on engagement protocols with the Board and strengthened collaboration between regulators and operators.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the prosecution of his immediate predecessor, Mr Abubakar Malami.
Mr Malami is facing terrorism and illegal firearms possession charges brought against him by the Department of State Service (DSS).
Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), took over the trial from the secret police on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, announced the Attorney General’s appearance in the matter.
Mr Oyedepo told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the trial cannot proceed because Mr Fagbemi has just taken over the prosecution.
He informed the court that the prosecution needed more time to familiarise itself with the facts of the case.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Adedayo Adedeji, who did not oppose the application, however, urged the court to strike out the matter if the prosecution fails to open its case at the next adjourned date, citing lack of diligent prosecution.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter to March 10 for trial and for the prosecution to formally open its case.
The court had, on February 27, admitted Malami and his son, Mr Abdulaziz, to N200 million bail, with two sureties, each one of whom must own landed property either in Maitama or Asokoro.
Justice Abdulmalik had said that the title of the property must be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court along with valid international passports.
The sureties were also ordered to depose to an affidavit of means and submit their two recent passport photographs to the court.
Mr Malami and his son were also ordered to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs to the court.
The DSS had arraigned the ex-AGF and his son, Mr Abdulaziz, on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and illegal firearms possession.
In the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami is also accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were handed to him while he served as the AGF and Minister of Justice.
Mr Malami and Mr Abdulaziz are equally accused of warehousing firearms in their residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.
The DSS accused Mr Malami in count one of the charge, with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, while the ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a significant 24.8 per cent increase in total cargo throughput for 2025.
According to the NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report, total cargo throughput rose from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
The report identified Lekki Port as Nigeria’s leading port, accounting for 40.6 per cent of the nation’s total cargo throughput. Onne Port followed with 19.1 per cent, while Apapa Port handled 16.7 per cent.
Beyond volume, Lekki Port also received the largest vessels, recording an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly higher than Onne Port’s 53,022 GRT.
Apapa and Tin Can Island ports recorded average vessel sizes of 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT, respectively, while Delta Ports handled vessels averaging 17,414 GRT.
Although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of ship arrivals, accounting for 22.7 per cent of total ship calls, Lekki and Onne are increasingly attracting larger “heavyweight” vessels, strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to handle higher-value cargo.
The data showed that imports continued to dominate cargo traffic, and the report highlighted a steady rise in outward trade. Exports accounted for 39.0 per cent of total cargo throughput, while inward traffic represented 59.2 per cent.
Containerised cargo, widely regarded as a key indicator of trade activity, recorded substantial growth. Total container traffic increased by 25.7 per cent, surpassing 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
Import-laden containers surged by 32.8 per cent, while export containers rose by 3.1 per cent. Notably, transhipment containers recorded a remarkable 205.8 per cent increase, positioning Nigeria as an emerging regional logistics hub serving West and Central Africa.
Liquid bulk cargo, including petroleum products and chemicals, remained the dominant commodity category, accounting for 54.7 per cent of total cargo, while containerised cargo represented 24 per cent.
Speaking on the report, the Managing Director of NPA, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, described the 2025 performance as a historic milestone.
“Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity in 2025, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint. This underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Dantsoho expressed confidence that the Federal Government-approved port modernisation programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system would power the next phase of growth.
The comprehensive modernisation initiative aims to rehabilitate ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, upgrade quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital solutions across Nigeria’s ports.
The reforms are expected to reduce vessel turnaround time, cut cargo dwell time, improve safety standards, and boost overall operational efficiency.
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