I Didn’t Embezzle A Dime” – Sujimoto Owner Reacts To EFCC’s Public Notice

Sujimoto Construction CEO, Olasijibomi Ogundele, has denied allegations of fraud after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a wanted notice against him for alleged fund diversion and money laundering.

The EFCC, in a notice shared on its official X account on Friday and signed by Head of Media and Publicity Dele Oyewale, urged anyone with credible information on Ogundele’s whereabouts to come forward.

In a video circulated on Twitter, Ogundele insisted he is not a fugitive and described the allegations as unfounded. He explained that the matter stemmed from a contract his company held with the Enugu State Government, which involved constructing schools and plans for a proposed 69-storey building.

Ogundele said he mobilized 42 engineers and temporarily relocated to Enugu to oversee the projects, even sustaining a serious accident during the work. He noted that rising construction costs, particularly cement, along with unforeseen challenges, led to delays and disputes with the government.

He also revealed that his staff faced attacks while on duty, but continued their work. The disagreement eventually led to court proceedings. Despite agreeing to meet with the government to settle payments, the EFCC issued the wanted notice instead.

Ogundele said the situation has damaged his company’s reputation but affirmed his intention to cooperate fully with the EFCC to clear his name.

He stated:
“I am not a thief and I am not a fugitive. This is a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government. I was tasked with building schools and designing bigger projects, including a 69-storey building.

Despite numerous challenges, I mobilized 42 engineers, rented a home in Enugu, and worked tirelessly, even after a serious accident. Rising material costs and attacks on my staff slowed the projects.

Eventually, things went sour with the government, and although I agreed to resolve the matter, I was declared wanted instead. My company’s reputation has been unfairly harmed, but I will go to the EFCC office to defend myself and restore my name.”