The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicated that it was looking for Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, due to suspicion of money laundering, and diversions. The Commission indicated that anyone who has credible information on Ogundele’s whereabouts to contact any of its offices. It advised that Ogundele is a Wanted suspect in relation to financial offences.
Ogundele, better known as Sujimoto, quickly responded with a swanky video message, denying the allegations, he added that he is neither a thief nor a fugitive, and stated that he will voluntarily present himself to the EFCC to clear his name. According to Ogundele, the allegations arose out of a failed transaction with the Enugu State Government, which has now developed into legal quarrels.
Ogundele, a billionaire real estate developer who has realised astonishing luxury projects in Ikoyi and Banana Island, mentioned that the EFCC notice has caused severe damage to his brand and, years of work. He labelled turncoat interests attempting to deploy the case to damage Sujimoto’s reputation and disturb the smooth running of his company.
While the EFCC did not specify the amounts concerning any of the alleged offences, the case has received maximal publicity given Ogundele’s stature within Nigeria’s real estate market. Observers in the real estate market note that the EFCC has recently upped its interest in the luxury property developers who are likely to avail the sector to transfer illicit finance.
Ogundele’s disposition as wanted person, was met with the usual mix of responses, some urged due process, while some see it as a litmus for Nigeria’s resolve against financial crimes. Whether the spotlight will remain on the EFCC’s subsequent particulars and Ogundele’s promised co-operation with investigators remains to be yet to the asserted.
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