Sijibomi Ogundele, CEO of Sujimoto Construction Limited, has promised to voluntarily report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC declared him wanted over allegations of money laundering and fund diversion.
In an emotional video on Friday, Ogundele, visibly distressed, insisted he is innocent. He also vowed to restore his reputation.
“I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive. I am going to the EFCC office to clear my name,” he said.
The Controversial Project
The issue comes from a construction contract between Sujimoto and the Enugu State Government. What started as a standard government project grew into a bigger plan when the governor wanted to build Nigeria’s tallest building.
“The government asked me to build several projects, which I found very interesting. I was visiting the state every week,” Ogundele explained.
Legal action later followed. Ogundele said he reached an agreement with the government after the court case but was still declared wanted.
Ogundele described how economic challenges and project delays have hurt his business over the past five years. Inflation, he said, turned a two-year project into a much longer ordeal.
“In the last five years, prices have gone up sharply. A project that could have taken two years was delayed,” he said. He added that the EFCC’s actions had “destroyed” his company.
Earlier, the EFCC had issued a public notice seeking information about Ogundele. The agency described the 43-year-old Ekiti State native, who lives in Banana Island, Lagos, as wanted for money laundering and fund diversion.
Industry Watching Closely
Ogundele joins a list of high-profile Nigerians declared wanted by the EFCC. Some cases lead to convictions, others remain in court for years. The EFCC’s approach has sparked debate about fairness and transparency.
By publicly committing to cooperate with authorities, Ogundele is challenging the EFCC’s evidence. The case could clarify the disputed Enugu State contract.
The real estate industry is watching closely. The outcome could affect both Ogundele’s business and the reputation of the sector.
