Real estate businessman Olasijibomi Ogundele, also known as Sujimoto, has responded after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted over alleged diversion of funds and money laundering.

The anti-graft agency published the notice on September 5, signed by its public relations officer, Dele Oyewale.

In a video released on Friday, Sujimoto explained that the declaration stems from a disagreement with the Enugu state government over a project.

He insisted the issue is about a contract between his company and the government, not criminal activity.

He said, “I am not a thief and I am not a fugitive. This is a contract between my company and the Enugu state government. They asked me to help build several projects, and I went to the state regularly to oversee the work.”

Sujimoto explained that the governor initially asked him to design Nigeria’s tallest building, but later requested that he focus on building schools first because the state lacked skilled workers.

Although he had never built schools before, he agreed, knowing it involved basic construction materials and organization. He warned the government that the budget was too low, but the governor assured him he would make more money from future projects.

He mobilized 42 engineers, rented a house in the state, and worked under tough conditions. Cement prices rose from N7,000 to N10,000, and his staff even faced security risks in rural areas.

Eventually, disagreements over project costs and delays led to legal action. Sujimoto said he presented his accounts and tried to resolve the matter without conflict.

He lamented that the EFCC declaration has damaged the company he built. He added that he plans to go to the EFCC office to clear his name.

He also noted that rising prices over the last five years made some projects impossible to complete on time.

Sujimoto maintains his innocence, saying the issue is purely a dispute with the government, and he intends to cooperate fully with the EFCC to resolve the matter.