The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order to detain Sijibomi Ogundele, CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, over allegations of failing to deliver 22 Smart Green School projects in Enugu State despite receiving N5.7 billion as part payment.

According to the EFCC, Ogundele’s company was paid 50% of the contract sum—₦5.7 billion—to complete the schools within six months. However, more than a year later, most of the sites remain at foundation level, with little or no progress recorded.

Investigators say Ogundele is currently in custody as the Commission seeks to trace how the money was spent. His personal and company accounts, already frozen, could be forfeited if the investigation confirms misuse of funds. The EFCC has also seized his international passport to prevent him from fleeing the country.

An EFCC source revealed:

“He is expected to explain how he spent the N5.7 billion or refund the money. His case looks straightforward.”

The Enugu State Government, which petitioned the EFCC, accused Ogundele of abandoning the projects after collecting the mobilization fee. The government alleged that he delivered only shoddy jobs with unqualified workers before disappearing.

In its official response, the state said:

“Rather than follow the rules of the contract, Mr. Ogundele resorted to substandard work. None of the little jobs done met the structural integrity required. Worse still, he vanished with the money and ignored all invitations for project reviews.”

The government disclosed that the sites had since been reassigned to new contractors, many of whom have already delivered or nearly completed similar projects.

One contractor, Benneth Nwatu of Ever Progressive Integrated Resources Venture, confirmed that while Sujimoto failed, other firms have delivered quality work:

“Our company completed the Smart Green School at Ugwuomu Nike, Queens School, and another in Inyi, Oji River. When we finished on time, the government even gave us more projects, which are also nearing completion.”

Meanwhile, Ogundele has defended himself on social media, blaming the Enugu State Government for underpricing the contract and citing inflation as the reason for non-delivery.

With the EFCC now deep into its probe, Ogundele is expected to face further interrogation alongside Enugu State officials next week.