EFCC Secures Court Order
The EFCC has won a big win. They got a court order. It allows them to detain Sijibomi Ogundele. He is the CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited. The reason is a N5.7 billion contract scam. This happened in Enugu State.
Ogundele turned himself in. It was on Monday. He was grilled for hours. The questioning went on till late night. EFCC officials say he might stay in custody. They need time to probe.
The order comes from a Magistrate Court. It lets EFCC hold him. This is until the investigation ends. The case looks simple. But details are coming out.
The court said EFCC can detain him. This helps the probe. No bail yet.
The N5.7 Billion Contract
The contract was big. Enugu State awarded it. It was for 22 Smart Green Schools. The total value was N11.4 billion. Sujimoto got 50% upfront. That was N5.7 billion. The deal was signed on July 2, 2024. They had six months to finish.
Ogundele promised fast work. He said the money would speed things up. But the projects stalled. Little work was done. Enugu officials checked. They found almost nothing.
A joint team went to sites. It was on May 8 and 9, 2025. EFCC and state officials saw it. Most sites had no progress. Some had just foundations. This was one year after the award.
Allegations of Diversion
EFCC says the money vanished. They allege Ogundele diverted it. Funds went to other projects. Sujimoto’s real estate in Lagos got the cash. This is money laundering. It’s a crime.
Enugu State is angry. They paid 50% mobilization. But no schools came. Officials tried to talk. Ogundele ignored calls. He skipped meetings. He abandoned the sites.
The state petitioned EFCC. They said he was evasive. When invited, he didn’t show. EFCC declared him wanted. He surrendered later. Now, the probe deepens.
Money went to Lagos projects. EFCC has proof. They froze accounts.
EFCC’s Actions So Far
EFCC moved quick. They froze Ogundele’s accounts. His personal ones too. Company accounts are locked. This stops money moves. They seized his passport. He can’t leave Nigeria.
Next week, more grilling. Enugu officials will join. They will question him. EFCC wants answers. How did he spend the cash? Or he must refund it.
A source said it’s straightforward. Evidence shows payments. But no work. The case builds strong. Charges could come soon.
Sujimoto CEO’s Defense
Ogundele spoke on X. He blames Enugu State. The contract was underpriced. Inflation made it hard. He says he couldn’t finish. But state says no. They call it excuses.
Ogundele vowed to clear his name. He says he will fight. But EFCC has documents. The contract terms are clear. He must explain.
His surrender was voluntary. But he was declared wanted first. This shows pressure. The story has twists.
He cited inflation. Contract was too cheap. But state disputes this.
Enugu State’s Side
Enugu officials are firm. They awarded the contract. It was for schools. Smart Green Schools for kids. The state paid big. But nothing happened.
Commissioner for Works spoke. They tried to engage. Ogundele vanished. Sites are empty. Kids wait for schools. The state wants money back.
They say he used a bond from Jaiz Bank. But payments went to Zenith. This hid the guarantor. It’s part of the scam. Enugu pushes EFCC hard.
Impact on Sujimoto
Sujimoto is known for luxury. They build high-end homes. In Lagos, they shine. But this scandal hurts. Clients worry. Projects could stop.
The company froze. Accounts locked. Work halts. Reputation damaged. Ogundele’s name is key. He built the brand. Now, it’s at risk.
Other contracts might face checks. Enugu is one. More states could probe. Sujimoto’s future looks dim.
Luxury projects in Lagos affected. Reputation at stake.
EFCC’s Broader Fight
EFCC fights corruption. They probe many cases. This is one more. They froze accounts in refineries scam. Now, Sujimoto joins.
The agency is busy. They grill suspects daily. Public trust grows. But challenges remain. Politics plays a role. EFCC stays strong.
Chairman Ola Olukoyede leads. He promises justice. No one is above law. This case shows it.
Public Reaction
People talk a lot. On social media, anger boils. Some say arrest him. Others want quick trial. Enugu residents cheer.
Business leaders watch. They fear for sector. Corruption hurts all. Calls for reform grow. Justice must come.
Media covers it. TV and online buzz. The story spreads fast. Everyone waits for more.
Posts on X show support for EFCC. Hashtags trend.
Legal Next Steps
The probe continues. Ogundele faces charges. Money laundering is likely. Court will hear soon. Bail might come later.
EFCC gathers evidence. Witnesses talk. Funds trace starts. Refund or jail awaits. The case builds.
Lawyers prepare. Ogundele’s team fights. But EFCC has proof. Outcome is key for all.
Lessons for Contractors
This case warns others. Contracts must deliver. No shortcuts. States watch close. EFCC probes hard.
Business needs trust. Scams hurt economy. Jobs lost. Schools delay. Everyone pays.
Reform is needed. Better checks help. Transparency wins. The future looks better.
Deliver on time. Be transparent. Avoid diversion.
Conclusion
The story unfolds. EFCC pushes on. Justice seeks. Enugu waits. Nigeria watches. Corruption fight continues.
Stay tuned. More news comes. Share your views. The end is near.
