EFCC Detains Sujimoto CEO Over N5.7 Billion Contract Fraud Allegations As Accounts Frozen And Passport Seized

 

The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, has found himself at the center of a storm as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensify investigations into an alleged multi-billion naira contract scandal involving the Enugu State Government.

Ogundele presented himself to the anti-graft agency after being declared wanted. Upon surrendering, he was immediately taken into custody and subjected to extensive interrogation that reportedly lasted over 10 hours on Monday. EFCC officials confirmed that the questioning extended into late evening, with the possibility of prolonged detention still on the table.

The matter stems from a highly disputed contract valued at more than N11 billion which was awarded by the Enugu State Government to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited. Reports indicate that while the initial approval was for a 30 percent upfront payment, Ogundele allegedly pressed for 50 percent of the contract sum, representing N5.7 billion, promising accelerated delivery of the project.

Enugu State authorities, however, claim the project was barely touched after payments were made. According to them, only work worth approximately N750 million was carried out, leaving the contract largely abandoned. This, they argue, constitutes both a breach of agreement and outright fraud. Frustrated by repeated attempts to get the contractor back on site, the government eventually petitioned the EFCC to recover public funds and hold the company accountable.

An EFCC source revealed that the commission acted swiftly once the petition was received. Investigators, together with officials of the Enugu State Government, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the site before summoning Ogundele. His failure to appear initially forced the commission to issue a public notice declaring him wanted.

By the time he eventually surrendered, the EFCC had already placed his finances under tight scrutiny. Sources confirmed that both his personal accounts and those belonging to Sujimoto Luxury Construction were frozen pending the conclusion of the preliminary investigation. His international passport has also been seized to ensure he remains within the country while the probe continues.

“The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited has surrendered to our commission and we immediately took him into custody,” an EFCC official disclosed. “For more than 10 hours, we have been questioning him based on the petition of the Enugu State Government. We have frozen all his accounts and that of his company pending the conclusion of preliminary investigation. We will also seize his passport to restrict his movement to the country.”

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, also confirmed that investigators are still grilling Ogundele and reviewing documents linked to the contract. According to him, the case is being handled with seriousness given the huge sums involved and the fact that public resources are at stake.

The spotlight on Sujimoto’s CEO is particularly striking due to his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most visible luxury real estate developers. Over the years, Ogundele has positioned his company as a leading force in high-end construction, with projects in Lagos and Abuja drawing attention for their opulence and grandeur. This ongoing investigation, however, threatens to cast a shadow on that carefully cultivated image.

Meanwhile, Ogundele has publicly maintained his innocence, stating last week that he was prepared to clear his name. He insisted that he will defend himself against the allegations and prove that Sujimoto acted in good faith in its dealings with the Enugu State Government.

Observers say the unfolding case underscores the growing vigilance of the EFCC in monitoring public contracts, especially where states allege mismanagement or fraud. Many Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the case develops, particularly given its implications for transparency and accountability in the construction industry.

Legal analysts have pointed out that if the allegations are proven, the consequences could be severe, ranging from prosecution to potential blacklisting of Sujimoto from future government contracts. On the other hand, if Ogundele is able to defend his actions and demonstrate compliance with contractual obligations, the case could reshape public perception of how government contracts are awarded and monitored.

The development has sparked conversations across business circles and social media, with some defending Ogundele as a visionary entrepreneur while others argue that the allegations reflect a recurring pattern of contractors receiving funds but failing to deliver. For now, the EFCC’s next steps will determine how swiftly the matter progresses to court, or whether alternative resolutions may be explored.

Until then, the embattled CEO remains under tight scrutiny, with his financial transactions restricted and his freedom to travel curtailed. Nigerians are watching as one of the country’s most high-profile real estate moguls attempts to defend himself against allegations that could define his legacy.