EFCC Detains Sujimoto CEO Over Failed Multibillion Naira School Project

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured a court order to detain Sijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, over an alleged N5.7 billion contract scandal.

The detention follows claims that his company abandoned the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools in Enugu State despite receiving half of the contract payment.

The contract, awarded in February 2025, required completion of the schools within six months. However, more than a year later, inspections showed most sites were still at foundation level, with only partial block work done. The state government accused the contractor of walking away from the project after collecting N5.7 billion as mobilization fee.

Authorities further alleged that the contractor used inexperienced workers and carried out poor-quality jobs that failed to meet structural standards. After several failed attempts to bring him to the table, the state petitioned the EFCC to step in. A joint inspection by EFCC and state officials in May confirmed that the level of work done was far below expectations.

The Enugu State Government has since revoked the contract and reassigned the projects to new firms. Officials also noted that other companies handling similar school projects have made progress and delivered quality work within the agreed timeline.

Before turning himself in, Ogundele defended himself on social media, insisting that inflation and underpricing of the contract were major obstacles. He denied running away with the funds but admitted the project had challenges.

The EFCC, which had earlier frozen his company’s accounts, confirmed that the court order allows them to keep him in custody until investigations are concluded. The agency also disclosed that Ogundele will meet with state officials to explain how the funds were spent or face recovery proceedings.

The development has raised fresh concerns about accountability in government contracts, with many watching closely to see whether the funds will be recovered and the abandoned schools completed.