Police release Lagos bizman detained over $325,000 fraud allegations

A popular Lagos-based businessman, Sijibomi Ogundele, who was detained at the Force Criminal Investigations Department in Abuja, has been released on bail.

Our correspondent gathered that Ogundele was held 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 by our correspondent on Thursday, 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.

“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.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the police at FCID, DSP Funmi Eguaoje, said Ogundele had just been released on bail after an “interview.”

Eguaoje said, “He came on invitation yesterday (Wednesday), but they couldn’t resolve the matter as of yesterday. They called them for an interview today. They have finished the interview, and he is going on bail now.”

Efforts to speak with Ogundele’s lawyer, Kenny Umenyi, on the matter proved abortive, as a call to his line was terminated after our correspondent introduced himself.

He has yet to reply to a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.