The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Suji Ogundele has broken his silence after he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.
In an emotional video shared online, Ogundele broke down in tears as he described the situation as a “deal gone bad” involving a contract with the Enugu State Government.
“I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive,” he said, stressing his willingness to face the EFCC. “This is a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government. Enugu State Government asked me to help them build a couple of things which were very interesting. I was going to the state every week.”
Ogundele explained that midway into the project, the scope of work expanded after the state governor requested an ambitious city development project, including what he described as “the tallest building in Nigeria.”
He noted that while he agreed to the government’s plans, the matter later ended up in court. “I was in agreement with the government after they took us to court. Now they declared me wanted, they destroyed my company that I built,” he lamented.
The real estate developer also blamed the country’s volatile economy for the project delays. “In the last five years, prices have gone crazy, something I could have done in two years was delayed,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Ogundele maintained he was ready to appear before the EFCC to defend his name. “I am going to the EFCC office, to clear my name,” he vowed.
LEADERSHIP reports that the EFCC on Friday declared Ogundele wanted and urged members of the public to provide any information on his whereabouts.