Sijibomi Ogundele, the founder of Sujimoto Group, a popular Lagos-based real estate firm is in police trouble for alleged $325,000 fraud.
TheWitness gathered that the flamboyant businessman was detained at the Force Criminal Investigations Department in Abuja, and later released on bail.
Ogundele was arrested by the police following a petition written by human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, accusing Ogundele of obtaining the sum of $325,000 on 5 November 2020, from one Kabiru Ibrahim by false pretence.
In a copy of the petition obtained PUNCH, Olajengbesi stated that the sum was meant for the 50% payment of the agreed total of $650,000 for a property consisting of one unit of a three-bedroom flat located in an estate known as Leonardo by Sujimoto Home.
The petition partly read, “In 2020, Mr. Sijibomi Ogundele approached our client and fraudulently represented himself and the company, offering to sell one unit of a three-bedroom flat at an estate known as Leonardo by Sujimoto Home, supported by a brochure depicting the property.
“The property was advertised for $750,000, with consideration given to our client if 50% was paid immediately, reducing the price to $650,000 after a meeting held between our client and Mr. Sijibomi Ogundele of Sujimoto Group.
“Our client accepted the offer and made a payment of $325,000, acknowledged by Sujimoto Construction Limited on 5 November 2020, constituting 50% of the agreed sum of $650,000.
“Expecting construction progress and updates on our client’s property, our client was surprised to learn that there was no such project underway, and the money was taken under the pretence of a purported development.”
The newspaper reported that the spokesperson for the police at FCID, DSP Funmi Eguaoje, told its reporter that Ogundele had just been released on bail after an “interview.”
Meanwhile, the police may arraign Ogundele in court as soon as it concludes its investigation on the matter.
