The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Mr. Sijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Group, wanted in connection with allegations of money laundering and failure to deliver on a multi-billion-naira educational infrastructure project in Enugu State.
According to sources within the anti-graft agency, Ogundele is under investigation over his company’s inability to execute the construction of 260 smart schools across Enugu State, despite reportedly receiving significant mobilisation funds for the project. The initiative, championed by the Enugu State Government, was designed to improve access to digital learning and modern educational facilities across all local government areas in the state.
However, Enugu State Government, led by His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, through the EFCC, alleges that Ogundele and his company failed to fulfil their contractual obligations, raising concerns about diversion of public funds and possible money laundering activities. The Commission has urged members of the public with useful information regarding his whereabouts to assist law enforcement agencies in effecting his arrest.
The failed project has sparked widespread criticism in Enugu, with stakeholders lamenting the setback to Governor Peter Mbah’s ambitious education reform agenda. Parents, teachers, and civil society groups have expressed disappointment that such a transformative initiative has stalled, calling on authorities to ensure accountability and transparency.
Others have asked if there were no qualified contractors in the state, which led the State Government to award such a large contract to a company not located in Enugu State, contrary to its goal of empowering construction contractors in the State whose spending would equally contribute to the economic growth of the state.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no individual or corporate entity is above the law, stressing that those entrusted with public funds must account for their stewardship.
Sijibomi Ogundele, in a viral video circulating online, has tried to share his own side of the story, where he said he is not a thief, cried on his broadcast and blamed the increase in cost of building materials, citing the cost of cement when starting the project and the current market price.
