Police probe $556,000 fraud as businessman promises refund

The police have opened an investigation into an alleged $556,000 fraud involving Lagos-based businessman and property developer, Sijibomi Ogundele, and his firm, Sujimoto Construction Limited.

The probe followed a petition filed by Mr. Olatokunbo Cole, who accused Ogundele and his company of obtaining money under false pretence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and criminal breach of trust.

According to the petition, dated August 18, 2025, and addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, Cole alleged that Ogundele had in 2020 offered to sell him a three-bedroom apartment at Leonardo by Sujimoto Luxury Apartments for $594,474.22.

Cole claimed that after paying 90 percent of the amount — about $556,000 — in April 2022, there was no visible progress on the project site.

When he later visited the location, he allegedly discovered that no development was ongoing despite earlier assurances from Ogundele.

Cole’s lawyer, Ayokunle Erin, stated that Ogundele later attempted to convince his client to redirect his investment to another luxury project, The Lucrezia by Sujimoto, promising higher returns.

However, after Cole declined, Ogundele allegedly became unreachable.

The petition partly read:

“Following the payment of $556,000, our client expected significant construction progress. However, when he visited the site, there was no development as presented by Mr. Ogundele and Sujimoto Construction Limited. When confronted, Mr. Ogundele instead offered him another project, The Lucrezia, and later stopped responding to communication.”

The petitioners urged the police to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation, alleging that Ogundele’s actions amounted to obtaining money by false pretence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

A letter of invitation from the Monitoring and Mentoring Unit of Zone 7 Police Command, signed by ACP Yahaya Gambo on behalf of the AIG, directed Ogundele to appear before investigators on September 29, 2025.

After he reportedly failed to honour the invitation, the meeting was rescheduled for October 20, 2025.

When contacted, Zone 7 Police spokesperson Halima Mohammed said she would provide a response on the matter but had not done so as of press time.

In reaction, Ogundele confirmed to our correspondent that discussions were ongoing with both the police and the complainant to resolve the issue. He also promised to refund the money, beginning next week.

He said, “The property is there, the land is there. You wanted to buy something from me before, and if you’re no longer buying, I will refund.

“We are speaking with the police on how to resolve this. From next week, we will start paying back.”

He added, “You know what I have been through.

“It’s just a matter of time — we will pay whatever we owe.”

As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement on the status of the investigation.