Olasijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, has denied allegations of fraud and money laundering after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted on Friday.
In a notice signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said Ogundele was wanted over an alleged case of diversion of funds and money laundering, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact its offices nationwide or the nearest police station.
Responding to the development in a video posted on social media, Ogundele, who was tearful , insisted he is “not a thief” and vowed to appear before the anti-graft agency to clear his name. He explained that the case arose from a failed contract with the Enugu State government, which he claimed collapsed due to inflation and rising costs.
“I am not a thief and I am not a fugitive. This is a contract between me and the Enugu State government,” Ogundele said, noting that he was engaged to execute several projects, including schools and a proposed 69-storey tower.
He said he mobilised 42 engineers for the job and worked extensively across local government areas despite insecurity and logistical challenges. However, he blamed the failure on cost escalation. “When we took the contract, cement was ₦7,000, but when we left, it was ₦10,000. My staff were even shot at in the villages,” he stated.
Ogundele maintained that he remained committed until the dispute escalated into litigation. “They have destroyed the company we built. But I am going to the EFCC office to clear my name,” he said.
This is not Ogundele’s first encounter with law enforcement. In October 2024, he was detained by the police after a petition accused him of obtaining $325,000 under false pretence for a housing project that did not exist. He was later released.
The EFCC urged anyone with useful information to contact its offices or call the commission’s hotlines.
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