The Enugu State Government has escalated its dispute with Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, accusing its CEO, Olasijibomi (Sijibomi) Ogundele, of abandoning a high-value contract and misappropriating nearly ₦6 billion slated for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools.
Awarded Value: On July 2, 2024, Enugu State awarded Sujimoto a contract worth ₦11.45 billion, with an expectation that construction would conclude within six months.
Partial Payment: The state disbursed ₦5.76 billion, representing 50% of the contract sum, to kick-start the project.
Alleged Failure: According to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Malachy Agbo, Ogundele allegedly deployed inexperienced workers and “quack engineers”, resulting in substandard work. Many sites reportedly remained at the foundation level.
Vanished Funds: The statement from the government claimed Ogundele “vanished into thin air with the money,” with subsequent inspections by EFCC and state officials in May 2025 confirming minimal progress.
Additionally, the government alleged a misuse of a Jaiz Bank contract bond, with funds diverted to a separate account, thwarting accountability.
Government’s Next Moves
The state has reassigned the project to new contractors and remains confident that the schools will be delivered by September 2025. Officials emphasized their commitment to recovering every naira allegedly obtained fraudulently.
Ogundele’s Response
In a tearful online video, Ogundele denied the accusations:
“I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive. … This is a contract between my company and Enugu State Government… I am going to the EFCC office to clear my name.”
Broader Context
EFCC Involvement: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Ogundele wanted over alleged diversion of funds and money laundering, urging the public to report any information about his whereabouts.
Prior Allegations: In 2020, Ogundele was previously accused of defrauding a client of $325,000 in connection with a property transaction; he was detained and later released on bail in October 2024.
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