EFCC Enugu Zonal Director Accused of Shielding Officials Amid Sujimoto CEO Ogundele’s N5.7B Fraud Probe
Background
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been investigating Sijibomi Ogundele, CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, over allegations of diverting N5.7 billion from an Enugu State government contract. The contract, valued at over N11 billion, was awarded for the construction of smart schools. However, the state government claims that only N750 million worth of work was completed, leading to accusations of fraud and misappropriation.
Allegations Against EFCC Enugu Zonal Director
Recently, the newly appointed Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Enugu, Aisha Abubakar, has been accused of attempting to shield Enugu State officials allegedly involved in the fraud. Ogundele’s legal team alleges that kickbacks from these officials are the underlying reason for his arrest and the harsh treatment he has reportedly endured in Enugu.
According to sources, Abubakar unexpectedly assumed control of Ogundele’s case file from the initial investigative team just as they were reportedly close to exposing state officials who allegedly conspired in a complex money laundering scheme involving 50 bank accounts. The Acting Zonal Director subsequently reassigned the case exclusively to Deputy Director Adaora Asabe Oragudosi, leading to claims that efforts to hold implicated officials accountable have stalled.
Controversial Detention Conditions
Further controversy surrounds Ogundele’s detention conditions. Sources report that he was denied legal access and held with restricted access to food and water. During a visit by his legal team, Ogundele attempted to describe the hostile conditions he faced but was reportedly barred from communicating with his lawyers. Despite protests from his legal team, Ogundele was returned to detention, and his lawyers were directed to leave the EFCC Enugu premises.
Ogundele’s Response
In a video shared online, a visibly emotional Ogundele denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the matter was a contractual dispute and not a criminal case. He emphasized that his company had been engaged in the project and had been visiting the state regularly. Ogundele has vowed to clear his name and address the allegations against him.