by Abiodun Sanusi
Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, was detained and interrogated for over 24 hours by the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) of the Nigerian police in Abuja regarding an alleged fraud involving $325,000.
The investigation stems from a complaint lodged by lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, who represents a client, Kabiru Garba Ibrahim. The client claims he paid the sum on November 5, 2020, as a 50% deposit for a three-bedroom flat in the LeonardoBySujimoto Homes estate, but has neither received the property nor a refund.
After failing to respond to earlier police invitations, Ogundele was finally apprehended. Police sources indicated that he had filed a lawsuit against the FCID in an attempt to halt the investigation. Upon his detention, Ogundele was unable to meet bail conditions but later complied and was released.
The ongoing probe raises serious concerns about misappropriation of funds within the real estate sector, as Ogundele’s firm has been accused of fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of trust. The situation is a significant development given Ogundele’s recent announcements regarding ambitious real estate projects aimed at transforming luxury living in Nigeria.
