Group managing director of Sujimoto Holdings Olasijibomi Ogundele has denied defrauding a client in a real estate deal.
Mr Ogundele reported at the FCID Abuja last Wednesday after allegedly ignoring an earlier invitation in May, it was gathered.
The FCID’s investigation followed a petition by a lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi to the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of criminal investigations.
The petition claimed Ogundele’s real estate firm Sujimoto Construction Limited received $325,000 from a client Kabiru Ibrahim for a real estate deal since November 2020 and failed to deliver on the project or refund the money.
The sum, according to the petition, was meant for the 50 per cent payment of the agreed sum of $650,000 for a property of one unit of a three-bedroom flat located at an estate known as LeonardoBySujimoto Homes.
However, Ogundele said in a statement on Tuesday that he made clarifications and provided evidence absolving him to the police at the FCID.
The businessman said he did not want to take the “longer lane” of legal action but chose dialogue, adding that he has “met with the client involved to reach an amicable resolution.”
Ogundele blamed the falling naira and economic downturn in the country for the delay in delivering on the deal.
“Rising material costs, a plummeting currency, a cascading effect of inflation, and a shifting economic landscape have all conspired to slow down our ambitious endeavour to design and build a landmark property that not only surpasses the iconic 1979 Necom Tower as the tallest and most luxurious project in Nigeria, but also sets a benchmark standard for luxury living across Africa,” he wrote.
Ogundele added, “Given these circumstances, it was very important for us to clarify our position with the authorities at the FCID regarding allegations of obtaining money under false pretense, fraudulent misrepresentation, and criminal breach of trust. This was a false allegation; we provided comprehensive documentation to demonstrate that these claims are unfounded, as the evidence provided to the FCID authorities gave true insights into the transaction conducted.”
