Olasijibomi Ogundele, the founder of Sujimoto Luxury Limited, on Monday surrendered himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged ₦5.7 billion fraud, Naijaonpoint reports.
The EFCC had, last Friday, declared Ogundele wanted after weeks of evading the anti-graft commission’s invitation.
Inside sources told Naijaonpoint that the property merchant was grilled for over 10 hours at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on allegations of misappropriating ₦5.7 billion advanced to his company by the Enugu State Government.
“Olasijibomi Ogundele of Sujimoto reported at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja yesterday. He was grilled for several hours by investigators. The interrogation continues today (Tuesday), as the commission is keen on recovering every kobo of public funds allegedly diverted,” an EFCC source said.
According to reports, Sujimoto was awarded an ₦11 billion contract by the Enugu State Government. While a 30 percent advance payment had initially been approved, Ogundele reportedly lobbied for a 50 percent upfront disbursement, citing the need to fast-track the project. The state eventually released ₦5.7 billion, half of the contract sum, based on his assurances of timely delivery.
However, government officials later alleged that only about ₦750 million worth of work was completed on the project before Ogundele abandoned the site, a development that prompted the state to petition the EFCC.