Details of how wanted Sujimoto Boss Ogundele reportedly defrauded Enugu Government of N5.7bn has been made public by the state officials.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Enugu State Government has accused the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Ogundele, of absconding after receiving ₦5.7 billion as part payment for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across the state.
The allegation follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring Ogundele wanted on Friday over alleged money laundering and fund diversion.
In a video response, Ogundele broke down in tears, claiming the Enugu government failed to release adequate funds for the project before dragging him to the EFCC. He also denied reports that he was on the run.
But in a counter-statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the Enugu government dismissed Ogundele’s claims as “theatrics and crocodile tears,” insisting that the state would recover every kobo fraudulently taken from the people of Enugu.
Agbo explained that Ogundele allegedly orchestrated a premeditated fraud, presenting a bond issued by Jaiz Bank to secure the contract, but directing payment into Sujimoto’s Zenith Bank account registered with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. This, the state argued, prevented it from holding Jaiz Bank accountable when Ogundele defaulted.
“For clarity, on July 2, 2024, the Enugu State Government awarded a contract worth ₦11.45 billion to Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd for the construction of 22 Smart Schools. Out of this sum, ₦5.7 billion was released as part payment. Till date, no significant work has been executed,” the statement read.
The government vowed to pursue all legal means to ensure recovery of the funds, stressing that the matter represents not only financial fraud but also a betrayal of public trust.