By John Umeh
Nigeria’s luxury real estate tycoon, Olasijibomi Ogundele, popularly known as Sujimoto, has responded after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted over alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.
The anti-graft agency, in a notice issued on Friday, September 5, 2025, and signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, listed Ogundele as wanted in connection with ongoing investigations.
“I Am Not a Fugitive” — Sujimoto Reacts
Shortly after the EFCC’s announcement, Sujimoto released an emotional video where he tearfully rejected the allegations. He explained that the matter stemmed from a contract dispute with the Enugu State Government, not from any criminal activity.
“I am not a thief and I am not a fugitive,” he said in the video. “This is about a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government. They asked me to handle several projects, including schools and what was supposed to become Nigeria’s tallest building.”
The Contract Dispute
According to Ogundele, his company was initially invited to Enugu to design and execute multiple development projects. The state governor at the time, he claimed, expressed interest in building both modern schools and a landmark city project.
“I mobilised 42 engineers to the state, rented accommodation, and committed resources,” he recalled. “But from the beginning, I told the governor the contract price was too low to complete the schools as designed. Cement was ₦7,000 when we started, and before long it had risen to ₦10,000. The project became unsustainable.”
Ogundele alleged that despite raising these concerns, the government pressured him to proceed, promising that compensation would come from larger projects down the line. However, as inflation and insecurity worsened, his staff reportedly faced attacks in rural areas where construction was taking place.
“Eventually, things went sour,” he said. “We couldn’t continue at the agreed pricing. The government took us to court, and I presented my books. We tried to settle amicably, even offering to agree on what we owed. But instead of resolution, I was declared wanted, and my company’s reputation was destroyed.”
Vows to Clear His Name
Fighting back tears, Sujimoto stressed that he would voluntarily present himself at the EFCC headquarters to defend his integrity.
“I built Sujimoto on transparency, innovation, and hard work,” he said. “To see my name dragged through the mud is heartbreaking. But I will not run. I will go to the EFCC myself to clear my name.”
He also highlighted how delays and economic instability had worsened the situation:
“Something I could have done in two years was delayed because of inflation and the rising cost of materials. In the last five years, prices have gone crazy.”
Public Reaction
The EFCC’s notice and Sujimoto’s video have triggered widespread debate. While critics argue that no businessman should be above investigation, supporters say the declaration is politically motivated and risks discouraging private investment in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
On social media, many have expressed shock at the development, calling on the EFCC to ensure transparency and due process in handling the case.
What Lies Ahead
For now, Ogundele remains resolute, insisting that the allegations will not define his legacy. His appearance before the EFCC is expected in the coming days, and the outcome could have major implications for both his company and the wider Nigerian property industry.
As he summed up in his emotional statement:
“They may destroy my company, but they cannot destroy my truth. I will face this and clear my name.”
Enugu Government Rejects Sujimoto CEO’s Defence, Insists on Recovering N5.7bn Over Abandoned School Projects
The Enugu State Government has dismissed the public defence put forward by real estate mogul and CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Ogundele, over allegations of fraud, insisting that he diverted N5.7 billion meant for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools in the state.
On Friday, September 5, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Ogundele wanted over alleged money laundering and diversion of public funds. In response, the developer released a tearful video message claiming his troubles were linked to a failed contract with the state government and insisting he was not a criminal.
But the Enugu government has now countered his claims, describing them as “crocodile tears” and “a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.”
How the Dispute Began
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malachy Agbo, the government awarded the Sujimoto CEO a contract worth ₦11.4 billion on July 2, 2024, to build 22 Smart Green Schools across the state. To fast-track delivery, 50 percent of the contract sum—₦5.76 billion—was paid upfront.
The project, which was a flagship of the administration’s education agenda, was meant to deliver modern learning facilities ahead of the September 2025 school resumption. However, the government said Ogundele failed to deliver even the minimum acceptable standard of work.
Allegations of Abandonment and Substandard Work
Commissioner Agbo accused Ogundele of abandoning the project sites after receiving payment, employing unqualified engineers, and producing shoddy work far below the required structural specifications.
“None of the sites met the structural integrity outlined in the contract. Instead of fulfilling his obligations, Mr. Ogundele cut corners, leaving Ndi Enugu short-changed,” the statement read.
The government also revealed that joint inspections conducted by the state’s Ministry of Works and the EFCC on May 8 and 9, 2025, showed little to no meaningful work had been done one year after the contract award. Some sites, it said, had not even been excavated.
Attempts to Engage Failed
The Enugu government further alleged that Ogundele ignored repeated invitations to project briefings, failed to respond to official calls and messages, and refused to cooperate with monitoring teams.
“All efforts to bring him to the table for dialogue failed. Instead, he avoided inspections and neglected official requests. This left the government with no choice but to petition the EFCC to ensure recovery of funds,” Agbo stated.
The Commissioner also pointed out that although Ogundele had presented a performance bond from Jaiz Bank at the start of the contract, he failed to channel the mobilization funds into the projects.
“This points to premeditated fraud,” Agbo insisted.
Crocodile Tears or Genuine Defence?
In the viral video released on Friday, Ogundele claimed that his challenges arose from fluctuating cement prices, security threats to his staff on site, and disagreements with the governor over additional projects. He maintained that he was willing to clear his name before the EFCC.
But the Enugu government dismissed his remarks as theatrics. “Nigerians should disregard his crocodile tears,” Agbo said, accusing Ogundele of trying to win public sympathy while abandoning his contractual obligations.
Next Steps
The government confirmed that the school projects have since been reassigned to new contractors to ensure completion before the 2025 academic year begins.
It also vowed to recover every kobo paid to Sujimoto. “We are determined to retrieve the N5.7 billion belonging to Ndi Enugu. Mr. Ogundele will face the full weight of the law,” the statement concluded.
With EFCC now formally involved, the real estate developer faces both legal and reputational battles as the case unfolds.
