Key Points:
- Enugu government names a N5.7bn loss from school jobs. Officials say the developer took cash, then failed to deliver.
- The state labels Sujimoto’s tears “theatrics and crocodile tears.” It vows to recover “every penny” for Ndi Enugu.
- EFCC declares Olasijibomi Ogundele wanted on fraud-linked offences. Sujimoto denies fleeing and blames poor funding.
Enugu State has broken its silence on the storm. Officials accuse Sujimoto’s boss, Olasijibomi Ogundele, of a large fraud. They claim he took N5.7bn and then disappeared. The money came for 22 Smart Green Schools across the state.
The fresh row follows EFCC’s wanted notice on Friday. The case has drawn huge talk across business circles today. Meanwhile, Enugu news has stayed busy this month as well. Leaders welcomed a new federal agric university in the state.
Government details N5.7bn payment and bond questions
The Information Commissioner, Dr Malachy Agbo, shared the long claim. He says the contract began on 2 July 2024. The deal sum stood at N11,457,930,950.52 for 22 schools. The state then made a part payment of nearly N5.7bn.
Agbo says Sujimoto asked to secure the job with a bond. He says the firm presented a bond issued by Jaiz Bank. However, payments went into Sujimoto’s Zenith Bank account instead. He says this choice blocked any claim against the bond.
The commissioner frames the move as preplanned and very clear. “This is a premeditated fraud,” he alleges in the note. He calls the developer’s video tears “theatrics and crocodile tears.” He adds that the state will recover “every penny” for Ndi Enugu.
Officials also say Ogundele refused to keep key timelines. They allege poor site work across many mapped locations. They say he stopped picking calls from state teams. They claim he then left town without any formal notice.
Sujimoto replies with tears and denial
Ogundele posted a video after the EFCC notice. He cried on camera and called himself an honest man. He says Enugu failed to fund the project on time. He also denies that he is running from the law.
He blames rising costs and tough market shifts as well. He ties the fight to politics and rival claims. In addition, he promises to meet EFCC and speak. He says clear books will clean his name fast.
What happens next for EFCC and Enugu
The EFCC wants tips on Ogundele’s moves and location. Its notice cites fraud, money laundering, and fund diversion. The agency says it will act once he appears. Lawyers online urge calm steps from both sides now.
The state says work on the schools remains a priority. Leaders insist recovery will fund new progress across communities. Recent civic debates already test the state’s patience. A priest even halted an Enugu women’s August meeting row.
For now, both sides dig in and trade claims. The figure N5.7bn keeps the stakes at peak. Parents also want real classrooms, not long fights. All eyes now watch EFCC’s next move in this case.
