The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, broke down in tears on Monday as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) grilled him over an alleged ₦5.7 billion contract scandal involving the Enugu State Government, Jungle-Journalist.Com reports.

Ogundele, who had earlier been declared wanted after failing to honour EFCC invitations, surrendered himself at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He was questioned for more than ten hours, with sources hinting that he might be detained as the interrogation dragged into the night.

The ₦5.7bn Contract Storm

The luxury developer was awarded an ₦11 billion contract by the Enugu State Government. Although the state initially approved 30% upfront, Ogundele reportedly lobbied for 50% payment to fast-track delivery. The government conceded, releasing ₦5.7 billion.

But the deal soon turned sour. Enugu authorities later alleged that the work executed so far was valued at only about ₦750 million and accused the contractor of abandoning the project. This prompted a formal petition to the EFCC.

EFCC Tightens the Noose

Ahead of Ogundele’s surrender, investigators accompanied by Enugu State officials inspected the project site. EFCC sources confirmed to Jungle-Journalist.Com that his personal and company accounts have been frozen, while his passport has been seized to prevent him from leaving the country.

“For more than 10 hours, we have been questioning him based on the petition of the Enugu State Government,” an EFCC insider revealed. “We have frozen his accounts and will restrict his movements until investigations are concluded.”

The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, also confirmed that investigators were still grilling the Sujimoto boss late into the night.

“I Am Not a Thief” – Ogundele Weeps

In an emotional video shared online before his surrender, Ogundele denied any wrongdoing, insisting the case was a contractual dispute rather than a criminal matter.

“I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive,” he said, visibly tearful. “This is a contract between my company and the Enugu State Government. They asked me to help them build a couple of things, and I was going to the state every week.”

The EFCC has yet to announce whether Ogundele will be granted bail.