Big Story: Enugu Govt accuses Sujimoto CEO of Defrauding State of N5.7 Billion Over Smart Schools Project

The Enugu State Government has accused Olasijibomi Ogundele, CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, of defrauding the state of N5.7 billion paid for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools across the state.. Read Full Article.. .

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of Governor Peter Mbah on Friday. The announcement comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier declared Ogundele wanted for alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.

According to the state government, Ogundele vanished after receiving 50% of the contract sum, leaving the school projects largely incomplete. The government alleged that the contractor used Sujimoto’s Zenith Bank account, rather than the bond issued by Jaiz Bank meant to secure the contract, making it impossible to hold the bank liable.

“The Enugu State Government has accused the CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Ogundele, of defrauding the state of nearly N6bn, noting that Ogundele vanished into thin air after he was paid the said sum for the construction of 22 Smart Green Schools in different parts of the state.

“The government also accused Ogundele of premeditated fraud, explaining that while he presented a bond issued by Jaiz Bank to secure the contract, he used the company’s Zenith Bank account registered with the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to receive the said payment, making it impossible for the state to hold Jaiz Bank liable,” the statement ,and..  Read . .More —