The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, is under interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N5.7 billion contract fraud involving the Enugu State Government.
Ogundele, popularly known as Sujimoto, surrendered to EFCC officials in Abuja after being declared wanted for repeatedly failing to honour the agency’s invitations. He was grilled for more than 10 hours on Sunday, during which investigators seized his passport and ordered a freeze on his personal and company bank accounts.
Background to the Allegations
The controversy traces back to an N11 billion state contract awarded to Sujimoto Construction. Enugu State reportedly approved an initial 30 percent payment but was later persuaded by Ogundele to release 50 percent of the contract sum—amounting to N5.7 billion—after assurances of speedy project delivery.
However, state officials alleged that the actual value of work executed on-site stood at only about N750 million, accusing Ogundele of abandoning the project and evading accountability. The state government subsequently petitioned the EFCC, prompting the current probe.
EFCC’s Position
A senior EFCC official confirmed Ogundele’s surrender and detention.
“The CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited has surrendered to our commission and we immediately took him into custody. His accounts and that of his company have been frozen. His passport has also been seized to restrict his movement,” the source said.
The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, added that interrogation was ongoing as of Sunday night, with no bail granted yet.
Ogundele’s Defence
In a video statement circulated online, a visibly emotional Ogundele denied any wrongdoing, insisting the matter was contractual and not criminal.
“I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive. This is a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government. The government asked me to help them build a couple of things, and I was in the state every week,” he said, breaking down in tears.
He vowed to clear his name, describing the allegations as politically motivated and unfair.
What Next?
The EFCC has not disclosed whether Ogundele will be released on bail or remain in custody as investigations continue. The case has already sparked public debate, given Ogundele’s profile as a luxury property developer and one of Nigeria’s most visible young entrepreneurs.