The Enugu State Government has accused Olasijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, of defrauding the state of N5.7 billion meant for the construction of 22 smart green schools.

The government alleged that Ogundele disappeared after receiving the funds and abandoned the project, prompting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to declare him wanted on Friday for alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.

Hours after the EFCC notice, Ogundele released a viral video in tears, insisting he was not a thief and blaming inflation and insecurity for delays. He cited the rising price of cement and attacks on his workers as key challenges.

But Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Malachy Agbo, dismissed the video as “theatrics and crocodile tears,” insisting the businessman engaged in “premeditated fraud.”

Agbo said the N11.4 billion contract was awarded in July 2024 with a six-month deadline, and Ogundele received N5.7 billion upfront to fast-track the project. Instead, he allegedly delivered “shoddy jobs” using inexperienced workers and later vanished.

According to Agbo, Ogundele used a Zenith Bank account to receive payment instead of the Jaiz Bank bond he presented, effectively shielding the guarantor from liability.

A joint inspection by state officials and EFCC operatives in May 2025 reportedly showed little to no progress at the sites, with some not even excavated. The state has since reassigned the projects to new contractors.

“Nigerians should disregard his theatrics and crocodile tears,” Agbo said. “The Enugu State Government will recover every penny belonging to Ndi Enugu that Olasijibomi Ogundele obtained.”