The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has grilled the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, over allegations of diverting N5.7 billion belonging to Enugu State.
Ogundele turned himself in after being declared wanted and was questioned for more than 10 hours on Monday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. His personal and company accounts have been frozen, and his passport seized to restrict his movement.
The case stems from an N11 billion contract awarded to Sujimoto by the Enugu State Government. Although 30 percent was initially approved as advance payment, the state released 50 percent about N5.7 billion after Ogundele reportedly pleaded for it. However, officials claim the value of work delivered on-site stands at just N750 million.
Enugu State accused Ogundele of abandoning the project and evading accountability. After repeatedly failing to honour EFCC invitations, he was declared wanted before surrendering.
In a video response, Ogundele denied any wrongdoing, insisting the issue was purely contractual. “I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive,” he said, adding that the matter should not be treated as a criminal case.