The Enugu State Government has accused Sujimoto CEO Olasijibomi Ogundele of defrauding the state of ₦5.7 billion. Officials allege he abandoned contracts for 22 smart green schools after receiving funds.
On Friday, the EFCC declared Ogundele wanted for alleged money laundering and fund diversion.
Hours later, Ogundele released a video denying wrongdoing. He blamed project delays on inflation, security concerns, and rising cement costs. “I’m not a fugitive or a thief,” he said.
Enugu Information Commissioner Malachy Agbo dismissed the video as “crocodile tears,” accusing the Sujimoto boss of premeditated fraud. He said Ogundele secured the deal with a Jaiz Bank bond but received payments through Zenith Bank, shielding Jaiz from liability.
The ₦11.4 billion contract, awarded in July 2024 with a six-month deadline, required quality schools ready by September 2025. Instead, authorities said Ogundele delivered shoddy work with unqualified workers.
Agbo noted that a May 2025 joint inspection with EFCC officials showed “minimal to no work” on the sites. He vowed the state would recover all funds and announced the projects had been reassigned to new contractors.
“Theatrics and crocodile tears won’t work,” Agbo said. “Enugu will recover every kobo from Ogundele.”
