The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction, Sijibomi Ogundele, has broken his silence following a public notice by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring him wanted for alleged financial crimes.
In a video shared online, Ogundele addressed the situation, describing it as the result of a failed business deal involving the Enugu State Government. He maintained his innocence and vowed to report to the EFCC to clear his name.
“I am not a thief. I am not a fugitive,” Ogundele said. “This issue stems from a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government. They engaged us to handle several construction projects, and I was visiting the state weekly to oversee progress.”
He further claimed that midway through the agreement, the state government expressed interest in developing a larger project, including plans to build Nigeria’s tallest skyscraper.
“After some complications, the state government took us to court. Despite our efforts to resolve the issue, they went on to declare me wanted and attempted to destroy the company I’ve built over the years.
I plan to visit the EFCC to set the record straight. This project has faced delays, and costs have escalated significantly over the past five years,” he added.
The EFCC, in a notice signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, and published on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, stated that Ogundele is wanted for alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.
According to the commission: “The public is hereby notified that Olasijibomi Ogundele of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of diversion of funds and money laundering.”
The 44-year-old businessman is from Ori-Ade Local Government Area of Osun State. His last known address is listed as G29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos State.
The commission urged anyone with relevant information about his whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices across the country, the nearest police station, or via email at info@efcc.gov.ng.
While the EFCC has not disclosed the specific amount involved, the public declaration confirms that Ogundele is under investigation for serious financial offenses.