Olasijibomi “Sujimoto” Ogundele, the founder and chief executive officer of Sujimoto Group, is one of Nigeria’s most recognizable luxury real estate developers. Known for his ambitious projects in Ikoyi and Banana Island, including the Lucrezia by Sujimoto development, Ogundele has built a reputation for delivering premium residential and commercial properties. A law graduate from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, he returned to Nigeria with the ambition of redefining luxury living and expanding the country’s property market into global prominence.
On 5 September 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, declared him wanted for alleged diversion of funds and money laundering. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC published his name, company, age, and last known address in Banana Island, calling on the public to provide information on his whereabouts. The declaration quickly became headline news across Nigeria.
In response, Sujimoto released a tearful video online, denying wrongdoing and stating that he was neither a thief nor a fugitive. He promised to report to the EFCC to clear his name, describing the controversy as a contractual dispute with the Enugu State Government. According to him, the disagreement arose from a deal that expanded in scope, which he insisted should be settled in court, not through public humiliation. “I am not a thief. I am not a fugitive. I am going to the EFCC office to clear my name,” he said in the emotional video that went viral.
Enugu State’s Fierce Rebuttal
The Enugu State Government immediately countered his claims with a strongly worded statement, asking Nigerians to ignore what it described as Sujimoto’s “crocodile tears” and “theatrics.” According to the state, Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd was awarded a contract on 2 July 2024 to construct 22 Smart Green Schools across different locations. The contract was valued at ₦11.46 billion and had a six-month completion deadline.
The government said it disbursed ₦5.76 billion, representing 50 percent of the contract sum, upfront to enable fast execution. However, it accused Sujimoto of abandoning the project, using substandard materials, and deploying unqualified workers. A joint inspection conducted by the Ministry of Works and the EFCC between 8 and 9 May 2025 reportedly revealed “minimal to no significant work” at most of the sites nearly a year after the project was awarded.
Enugu explained that it had no choice but to terminate the contract, reassign the projects to other contractors, and take steps to recover the billions already paid. The state government accused Sujimoto of deliberately misleading the public with his video and insisted that taxpayers’ funds must be accounted for. “Every penny will be recovered,” the statement read, signaling the government’s commitment to holding the company accountable.
Nigeria’s Real Estate Sector Under the Spotlight
The case involving Sujimoto has once again placed Nigeria’s real estate sector under scrutiny. For years, the industry has been riddled with controversies including abandoned projects, land disputes, inflated contracts, and fraudulent schemes. These recurring issues have eroded investor confidence, especially among diaspora Nigerians and foreign investors who often view the sector as risky.
Luxury developers, who often present themselves as symbols of progress and modernity, have not been spared. Instead, their high-profile projects frequently become cautionary tales when disputes or scandals arise. The Sujimoto case, with its mix of a multi-billion-naira government contract, allegations of diversion, and a public confrontation with the EFCC, has further deepened concerns about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s property market.
For a country that urgently needs infrastructure development and foreign direct investment, such controversies cast a shadow over growth prospects. The perception that even the most celebrated developers can become embroiled in fraud allegations discourages both local and international investors. Unless stronger regulatory oversight, transparent contracting processes, and stricter enforcement mechanisms are implemented, the Nigerian real estate sector will continue to struggle with trust issues.
From the EFCC’s wanted notice to Sujimoto’s emotional denial and the Enugu State Government’s firm rebuttal, the story has grown into a national debate about accountability in Nigeria’s real estate sector. While Sujimoto insists on his innocence and promises to face investigators, the state government maintains that public funds were mismanaged and must be recovered.
The case has not yet been decided in court, and the principle of presumption of innocence still applies. However, the controversy underscores the urgent need for transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s real estate industry. Until confidence is restored, investors will continue to approach the sector with caution, and the promise of Nigeria’s urban transformation will remain clouded by suspicion and scandal
