The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, has pledged to voluntarily report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clear his name after the anti-graft agency declared him wanted over allegations of money laundering and fund diversion.
In a video statement released on Friday, the real estate developer maintained his innocence, stating, “I'm not a thief, I'm not a fugitive. I am going to the EFCC office to clear my name.”
Ogundele claimed the controversy stemmed from a construction contract his company had with the Enugu State Government.
He explained that a routine government project escalated when the governor expressed interest in building an ambitious city, which was to feature what would be Nigeria's tallest building.
“This is a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government.
Enugu State Government asked me to help them build a couple of things which were very interesting,” he recounted.
The project, however, became the subject of legal proceedings, which Ogundele says were resolved.
He expressed shock that despite reaching an agreement with the government after the court action, he was subsequently declared wanted.
The businessman lamented that the economic challenges of the past five years, particularly inflation, had severely impacted his operations and project timelines.
“In the last five years, prices have gone crazy, something I could have done in two years was delayed,” Ogundele explained.
He added that the EFCC's public declaration had “destroyed” the company he had spent years building.
The EFCC had earlier issued a public notice, describing the 43-year-old Ekiti State native, who resides in Banana Island, Lagos, as a wanted person.
The notice sought public information on his whereabouts in connection with the alleged financial crimes.
This case adds Ogundele to the commission's list of high-profile individuals declared wanted for various financial crimes.
While some of these cases have led to convictions, others have either been dismissed or remain in protracted legal battles.
This has sparked ongoing debates about the EFCC's investigative and prosecution methods, with critics questioning the agency's handling of high-profile cases.
With his public commitment to cooperate with authorities, Ogundele's case will likely test the EFCC's evidence and could provide clarity on the disputed Enugu State contract that triggered the investigation.
The real estate sector is watching closely as one of its most prominent figures faces serious allegations that could impact both his business empire and the broader industry's reputation.
The outcome of this case could serve as a significant precedent for how financial disputes between private companies and government entities are handled by anti-graft agencies in Nigeria.
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