By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, has denied allegations of fraud after being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) earlier today, insisting that his ordeal stems from a failed construction contract with the Enugu State Government.
BlackBox Nigeria reports that EFCC through its Head of media and publicity released a wanted notice on the real-estate developer, calling on members of the public with useful information to contact any of its zonal offices.
However, in a dramatic twist of events, Ogundele released a video claiming that he’s not a fugitive nor a money launderer as posited by the EFCC.
He said the matter in question involves a contract between his company and the Enugu State Government for multiple development projects, including the construction of a new city and what was to become Nigeria’s tallest building.
According to him, while awaiting the formal commencement of the city project, the state government asked his firm to construct a school, a project he initially hesitated to take on, citing a lack of prior experience and concerns over the low budget earmarked for it.
“I told the government beforehand that the project was impossible due to the low price earmarked for it,” Ogundele explained.
“The governor said, ‘Don’t worry, just help me to build this school. You might not make money from it, but you will benefit from other projects.’ I was happy to hear that and proceed with immediate effect, mobilising my men to the state.”
Ogundele said he mobilised his team for the school’s construction but suffered a severe accident during the process, breaking his backbone, an injury he did not initially disclose publicly.
He added that the project later became financially unviable due to the sharp rise in material costs, with cement prices jumping from N7,000 at the time of the contract to N10,000.
He also alleged that his staff faced “series of attacks” from locals and state actors during the project, which further stalled progress.
“If I had the money to finish the project, I would have done that,” he stated.
Ogundele said the matter was taken to court, where he opted for an out-of-court settlement and reached an agreement with the state government.
However, he accused the government of using the EFCC to target him despite the settlement.
“Now, they use a government agency to fight me, declaring me wanted by the EFCC. I am not a thief and I am not a fugitive,” Ogundele declared.
