EFCC Declares Luxury Developer Sujimoto Wanted Over Alleged Money Laundering

By Diafa Doubra,

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared popular luxury real estate developer, Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, widely known as Sujimoto, wanted over allegations of money laundering.

In a statement released on Friday, the anti-graft agency said the founder and chief executive officer of Sujimoto Construction Limited is under investigation for financial crimes running into billions of naira. According to EFCC, preliminary findings suggest that funds linked to suspicious transactions were funneled through some of his companies and associates.

The notice, which was posted on the EFCC’s official channels, urged members of the public with useful information on Sujimoto’s whereabouts to contact any of its offices nationwide or report to the nearest police station.

Sujimoto, who rose to prominence for his luxury developments in Lagos, including high-rise apartments in Ikoyi and Banana Island, has long positioned himself as one of Nigeria’s leading figures in the real estate sector. His projects have attracted celebrities, politicians, and high-net-worth individuals, earning him both fame and controversy.

Reactions to the EFCC’s declaration have been mixed. While some Nigerians expressed shock, given Sujimoto’s status as a brand ambassador for luxury living, others suggested that his flamboyant lifestyle and rapid rise in the industry made such scrutiny inevitable.

Legal experts note that being declared wanted does not amount to guilt, but it underscores the seriousness of the allegations. If arrested, Sujimoto will be expected to answer questions on the alleged laundering schemes, and possibly face charges in court.

As at press time, Sujimoto has not made any public statement regarding the EFCC’s notice. Efforts by journalists to reach his company’s spokesperson for comments have also not been successful.

The case has once again put the spotlight on Nigeria’s real estate sector, which anti-graft agencies have often accused of being a conduit for illicit funds.