Dr Sijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction Ltd., has tearfully denied allegations of fraud, insisting he is “not a thief or a fugitive” despite being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ogundele, popularly known as Sujimoto, said the controversy stems from a failed contract with the Enugu State government, which he blamed on the skyrocketing cost of building materials and unforeseen challenges during execution.
“This is a contract between my company and the Enugu State government. I’m not a thief or fugitive,” Ogundele said in an emotional video.
“They asked me to help them build a couple of projects, including a 69-storey building, which the governor wanted to be the tallest in Nigeria. I mobilised 42 engineers, rented a home in the state, and worked tirelessly. I even had a serious accident in the course of the project.”
The businessman explained that the sharp rise in the price of cement, from ₦7,000 at the start of the contract to ₦10,000, alongside security challenges faced by his staff, frustrated the projects and eventually soured relations with the state government.
“When we took the contract, cement was ₦7,000. By the time we left, it was ₦10,000. My staff were sometimes attacked in villages, even shot at, but we kept working. Eventually, things went sour with the government. We were taken to court, and I agreed to sit with them to resolve what was owed. Instead of resolution, they declared me wanted,” he said.
Ogundele lamented that the development had destroyed his company’s reputation but vowed to visit the EFCC to defend himself and “clear his name.”
“They destroyed my company, but I will go to the EFCC office to defend myself. Prices of materials have gone crazy in the last three years, and projects that should take two years have dragged for five,” he said.
The EFCC has yet to issue further clarification beyond its initial notice declaring the real estate mogul wanted for alleged money laundering and diversion of funds.
