Amanze ChinonyeNigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its clampdown on financial crimes, declaring billionaire real estate developer, Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, wanted for alleged money laundering, while also securing the conviction of a cyber fraudster in Abuja.
In a notice issued on Friday, the anti-graft agency said Ogundele, 44, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited. He hails from Ori-Ade Local Government Area of Osun State and was last traced to his residence at G29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.
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“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices, or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: [email protected] or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” the EFCC urged.
Ogundele, a prominent name in Nigeria’s luxury real estate sector, becomes the latest high-profile businessman to be declared wanted by the EFCC as it expands scrutiny into big-money transactions and high-end property developments often linked to money laundering probes.
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In a separate development on Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Dennis Tamarakuro, also known as Keisha Reynolds, to one year imprisonment for defrauding a U.S.-based non-governmental organisation, Pregnancy Support Network, of $71,795.41 through a cyber-enabled fraud scheme.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling after Tamarakuro pleaded guilty to impersonating a U.S. private investor to defraud a victim, Philbert, via cryptocurrency platforms. EFCC investigators revealed that the stolen funds were routed through intermediaries, converted to Bitcoin, and withdrawn through local exchanges. Over $42,000 was recovered, while the balance was blocked by a U.S. bank.
Although the convict was given an option of a ₦1 million fine, the court ordered the restitution of recovered funds to the victim and directed him to swear an affidavit of good conduct.
The two cases underscore EFCC’s widening crackdown on both high-profile financial crimes and cyber-enabled fraud. By targeting prominent figures like Ogundele alongside lower-level internet fraudsters, the commission is signaling that no tier of financial misconduct will be overlooked.
The outcomes also highlight Nigeria’s increasing collaboration with international partners in tracking illicit financial flows, a move seen as critical to restoring investor confidence and addressing reputational damage linked to money laundering and cybercrime.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
