EFCC Obtains Court Order to Detain Sujimoto CEO Over N5.7bn Contract Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a court order to detain Sijibomi Ogundele, CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, over an alleged N5.7 billion contract scam involving unexecuted school projects in Enugu State.

Ogundele is under investigation for allegedly failing to deliver 22 Smart Green Schools after receiving a 50% mobilization fee—amounting to N5.7 billion—from the Enugu State Government. He is currently in EFCC custody as interrogations continue.

According to EFCC sources, the remand order was secured from a Magistrate Court to allow the agency to complete its investigation. Ogundele’s personal and company bank accounts have already been frozen, and his international passport seized to prevent flight risk.

“There is evidence confirming payment was made to him. We also have the contract terms and documentation showing clear non-compliance,” an EFCC insider revealed. “He must explain how the funds were spent or refund the money. His case looks straightforward.”

The Commission may also seek court approval to seize funds from the frozen accounts should the probe lead to forfeiture proceedings. Beginning next week, Ogundele will be made to interface with top officials of the Enugu State Government as part of the investigation.

Ogundele had earlier been declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged money laundering. In response, he took to social media platform X, blaming inflation and claiming the contract was underpriced—factors he said contributed to delays.

Enugu State Government Responds

In a detailed statement, the Enugu State Government accused Ogundele of abandoning the school projects despite receiving half the contract sum. The state alleged that he performed substandard work, employed unqualified personnel, and failed to meet structural requirements before disappearing.

“Rather than comply with contract terms, Mr. Ogundele resorted to shoddy work using inexperienced workers,” the statement read. “None of the sites met the specified structural integrity. He vanished after receiving N5,762,565,475.25.”

The state government said repeated attempts to reach Ogundele for clarification failed, and he consistently avoided scheduled contractor briefings. The government subsequently handed the project sites over to new contractors, who have had to start construction afresh.

A joint inspection by EFCC officials and the state’s Ministry of Works in May 2025 reportedly confirmed minimal to no meaningful work done at the sites one year after project award. In several locations, only foundation-level or DPC (Damp Proof Course) work had been completed.

Other Contractors Delivering

In contrast, other companies awarded similar contracts have reportedly completed multiple school projects. Benneth Nwatu, MD/CEO of Ever Progressive Integrated Resources Venture, said his firm completed projects at Ugwuomu Nike, Queens School, and Inyi in Oji River.

“When we delivered quality work on time, the government awarded us more jobs. Projects at Ekulu Girls and Iva Valley are also nearing completion,” Nwatu stated.

Photos released by the Enugu State Government showed varying levels of incomplete work at Sujimoto’s sites, while those of other contractors appeared near completion or fully built.