Nigerian socialite Sijibomi Ogundele is embroiled in a $325,000 fraud allegation over a real estate deal gone wrong, now under investigation.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian socialite and CEO of Sujimoto Homes, Sijibomi Ogundele, is facing allegations of fraud in connection with a real estate transaction involving $325,000.
Multiple reports reveal that Ogundele was detained briefly at the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) in Abuja but has since been released on bail.
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The accusations, brought forward by human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, centre on claims that Ogundele swindled businessman Kabiru Ibrahim out of the substantial sum as a down payment on a luxury property.
The controversy traces back to November 2020, when Ogundele allegedly persuaded Ibrahim to pay half of the cost for a three-bedroom flat in the upscale Leonardo estate.
Ogundele had reportedly presented Ibrahim with glossy brochures and appealing offers, claiming that the property, valued at $750,000, could be acquired for $650,000 if Ibrahim paid 50% of the cost upfront.
Persuaded by the offer, Ibrahim handed over $325,000, which was acknowledged by Sujimoto Construction Limited.
However, Ibrahim’s investment did not yield any results. As time passed, he reportedly received no construction updates or property handover from Sujimoto, leaving him in a state of uncertainty.
According to Olajengbesi’s petition, Ogundele allegedly misrepresented his intentions and failed to deliver on his promises, with Ibrahim left empty-handed.
Speaking on the incident, police spokesperson DSP Funmi Eguaoje confirmed Ogundele’s recent detention, noting that he was initially interviewed but released on bail.
“He came on invitation yesterday, but they couldn’t resolve the matter then,” Eguaoje explained. “They called them in for an interview today, and now he’s going home.”
Ogundele’s legal team has yet to make an official statement, and the case remains under investigation. Public interest in the proceedings is high, as it raises questions about accountability in Nigeria’s luxury real estate sector.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
