Sujimoto Construction Limited's CEO, Olasijibomi Ogundele, has vehemently denied the allegations made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accusing him of diverting funds and money laundering.

Recently, the EFCC issued a wanted notice for the real estate leader, without providing detailed evidence to link him to financial misconduct.

Responding swiftly, Ogundele released a video condemning the accusations, asserting, "I'm not a thief," and emphasising that he is "not a fugitive.”

Ogundele explained that his company was hired by the Enugu State Government to build schools and also to design a 69-storey skyscraper, a project that was supposed to be the tallest building in Nigeria.

He recounted that issues first arose when the government tasked him with constructing schools, despite the limited budget not being sufficient to cover the actual building expenses.

He explained that, despite the rising prices of materials like cement— which increased from ₦7,000 to ₦10,000 during the project's duration—his company persisted with the work. He also mentioned that he was deeply involved in the project and even suffered a back injury in an accident.

According to him, the situation deteriorated when his workers faced attacks in certain local communities, and the government’s support dwindled, leading to the project's eventual suspension.

“I’m not a thief or fugitive. This is the contract between my company and the Enugu State Government. The Enugu State Government asked me to help them build a couple of things, a couple of projects, which was very interesting. I was going to the state every week.

“In the middle of the project, they said, ‘Okay,’ because he wanted to build a city. He wanted it to be the tallest building in Nigeria, a 69-story building. I designed and gave it to him.

“He said, ‘Okay, keep that aside.’ He said, ‘While you're waiting for this, please help me do these schools that we have money for, but don't have people who can do it.’ However, I’ve never done this type of school before. But I knew it was cement, concrete, and machining, so I said, ‘Okay, let me give it a try.’ I told the government, ‘This project is impossible because of price; the cost of it is too low to build.’

“The governor said, ‘Don’t worry, just help me with the schools, and later you’ll make money not from the school, but you’ll make money from the other projects,’ which I was very happy with. Right there, I mobilised 42 engineers to the state. I took a house in the state.”

Ogundele criticised the government's approach, highlighting that rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue, they opted to take the matter to court. He expressed his willingness to settle the dispute and provide clarity on the financial aspects involved, emphasising his commitment to transparency.

Despite his readiness to cooperate and visit the EFCC office to clear his name, he was unexpectedly declared wanted.

ASA