Sujimoto Breaks Silence on EFCC Notice, Explains Fallout With Enugu Govt

Popular businessman and luxury real estate developer, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, widely known as Sujimoto, has spoken out emotionally following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s declaration that he is wanted.

In a tearful address, the Sujimoto Construction boss maintained that he is not a fugitive, insisting that the matter stems from a contract dispute with the Enugu State Government.

“I am not a thief and I am not a fugitive. This is a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government,” Ogundele said.

According to him, the state government initially engaged his firm to execute several development projects, including schools, while also commissioning him to design a proposed 69-storey skyscraper – touted to be the tallest building in Nigeria.

Ogundele revealed that although he had never built schools before, he mobilised 42 engineers to Enugu after assurances from the Governor that even if the school contracts were not profitable, other larger projects would make up for the financial gaps.

However, he said the project quickly became unsustainable due to economic realities.
“When we took the contract, cement was ₦7,000. Before we left, it was ₦10,000. Prices skyrocketed. We faced insecurity in the villages where our staff were sometimes shot at. Despite everything, I stayed committed until things went sour,” he narrated.

The businessman explained that his company attempted to resolve the dispute amicably in court, offering to reconcile accounts with the government rather than engage in protracted litigation.

Despite this, he lamented, the matter escalated into the EFCC’s involvement, culminating in him being declared wanted.
“They destroyed my company that I built, but I am going to the EFCC office to clear my name,” Sujimoto vowed.

Ogundele attributed his struggles to Nigeria’s volatile economic conditions, stressing that rising construction costs and inflation have delayed several of his personal projects as well.

“In the last two, three years, prices have gone crazy. A project I could have finished in two years has been delayed by five because of the economy,” he said.

He, however, expressed optimism that the truth will prevail and pledged his readiness to cooperate fully with the anti-graft agency to resolve the matter.