Dare Babalola
The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, has declared his intention to report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to clear his name after being declared wanted over alleged money laundering and diversion of funds.
In a viral video on Friday, Ogundele insisted he was not guilty of any crime, saying, “I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive. I am going to the EFCC office to clear my name.”
He appeared tearful as he made the statement, emphasising his determination to prove his innocence.
The allegations against Ogundele stem from a contract with the Enugu State Government. According to Ogundele, the controversy began when the government asked his company to help build several projects. However, the project was delayed due to inflation and rising costs, which he claimed worsened the situation.
“This is a contract between my company and Enugu State Government. Enugu State Government asked me to help them build a couple of things which was very interesting. I was going to the state every week.
“In the middle of the project, the governor said he wanted to build a city and he wanted to build the tallest building in Nigeria,” he said.
Ogundele explained that the project was halted due to unforeseen circumstances, saying, “In the last five years, prices have gone crazy, something I could have done in two years was delayed.” He also mentioned that the matter had ended up in court, and he was in agreement with the government.
The EFCC had earlier issued a wanted notice against Ogundele, accusing him of money laundering and diversion of funds. The statement described him as a 43-year-old native of Ekiti State residing in Banana Island, Lagos, and urged the public to provide information on his whereabouts.
