Amanze Chinonye
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Olasijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction Ltd, wanted over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and diversion of ₦5.76 billion earmarked for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools in Enugu State.
According to the EFCC, Ogundele obtained funds under false pretence and failed to deliver on the multi-billion-naira project. Enugu State officials allege that the company abandoned the work after delivering substandard structures, despite payments of about ₦500 million per school.
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Ogundele’s Defence
In a video statement, Ogundele rejected the claims, insisting he is not a fugitive and has always operated within the law. He attributed the stalled projects to short contract timelines, accidents, and a sharp rise in cement prices from ₦7,000 to ₦10,000 per bag during the period.
“I am not a fugitive, and I am not a thief. I did my due diligence, but the resources provided were not enough to deliver on the projects,” he said.
Ogundele added that the matter had already been taken to court by the Enugu State government before the EFCC’s involvement and lamented that the anti-graft agency’s declaration had unfairly damaged his reputation and the Sujimoto brand. He vowed to appear before the Commission to clear his name.
Enugu Government Fires Back
In a Friday night statement, the Commissioner for Information, Malachy Agbo, dismissed Ogundele’s defence as “crocodile tears” and accused him of premeditated fraud.
Mr Agbo said the state awarded Sujimoto Construction a contract worth ₦11.4 billion on July 2, 2024, for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools within six months. The government, he noted, paid ₦5.76 billion – 50 per cent of the contract sum in advance to fast-track delivery.
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Instead of honouring the agreement, Ogundele allegedly presented a Jaiz Bank bond to secure the contract but routed the payment through a Zenith Bank account, shielding Jaiz from liability. According to the commissioner, Sujimoto resorted to “shoddy jobs and the use of inexperienced workers,” leaving none of the sites structurally compliant with approved drawings.
“Worse still, he vanished into thin air with the money. All efforts made by the government to get him to a roundtable proved abortive. He practically abandoned the sites,” Mr Agbo stated.
He added that a joint inspection by the Ministry of Works and the EFCC in May 2025 revealed minimal to no progress across the 22 sites one year after the award. The government has since revoked the contract and re-awarded the projects to other firms.
“Nigerians should therefore disregard his theatrics and crocodile tears, as Enugu State Government is determined to and will surely recover every penny fraudulently obtained,” Mr Agbo stressed.
Public Backlash
The controversy has triggered widespread criticism. Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, faulted both Sujimoto and the state government’s procurement process, stressing that children due to resume this September were the real victims.
Media personality Black Mack accused Ogundele of using wealth to suppress critics in the past, saying, “Now that he’s dealing with a government that can overpower him, he’s weeping.”
Business investor Morris Monye added: “If Sujimoto took money from the Enugu State government to build schools and did a shoddy job then absconded, he deserves to be arrested. We must end this era of lawlessness. Education is the building block to a new Nigeria.”
The scandal underscores deep concerns over contract management and procurement integrity in Nigeria. For Enugu, it raises questions about oversight in major public projects. For Ogundele, it is not only a legal battle but also a test of his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most visible developers.
With thousands of students still waiting for the Smart Schools promised to open this academic year, the case highlights how corruption and weak accountability directly undermine education and public trust.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, 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 Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the 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.
