The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun interrogating Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, in Abuja over allegations of diverting approximately N5.7 billion in funds allocated by the Enugu State Government for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across the state.
Ogundele, a prominent real estate developer known for his luxury projects in Nigeria, voluntarily surrendered to EFCC operatives on Monday and was subjected to hours of questioning regarding the alleged fraud.
The investigation stems from a contract awarded to Sujimoto on July 2, 2024, valued at N11.4 billion, with a six-month completion timeline.
The Enugu State Government paid N5.76 billion—representing 50% of the contract sum—as a mobilization fee to expedite the project, which aimed to modernize education infrastructure in the state.
According to EFCC sources and statements from Enugu officials, the funds were intended to build eco-friendly smart schools equipped with advanced technology to enhance learning for thousands of students.
However, a joint inspection conducted by the Enugu State Ministry of Works and EFCC officials on May 8 and 9, 2025, revealed that most sites were either abandoned at the foundation level or showed only minimal progress, such as damp-proof courses, with no adherence to structural specifications.
The government accused Ogundele of employing unqualified workers and quack engineers, resulting in shoddy and substandard work that failed to meet project standards.
Enugu State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, described the incident as a "premeditated fraud" in a statement released earlier this week.
He alleged that Ogundele secured the contract using a performance bond from Jaiz Bank but deliberately routed payments into Sujimoto's account at Zenith Bank, shielding the bond guarantor from liability and evading accountability.
"He vanished into thin air with the money, refused to honor periodic project briefings, avoided calls and messages, and absconded from site inspections," Agbo stated, emphasizing that all efforts to engage Ogundele proved abortive.
The scandal first gained public attention last week when the EFCC declared Ogundele wanted for alleged money laundering and diversion of public funds following a petition from the Enugu State Government.
In response, Ogundele released an emotional video on social media, tearfully denying the allegations and insisting he was not a fugitive.
"I am not guilty; this is a contractual dispute due to delays and setbacks in the Enugu projects," he claimed, pledging to cooperate fully with the EFCC to clear his name.
He attributed the issues to unforeseen challenges but maintained that no funds were misappropriated.
Despite his defense, Enugu officials dismissed it as "crocodile tears" and "theatrics," vowing to recover every kobo through legal means.
The state has since reassigned the projects to new contractors to ensure completion before the September 2025 academic session, underscoring Governor Peter Mbah's commitment to the Smart Green Schools initiative as a pillar of educational reform.
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