The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared real-estate developer and businessman Sujimoto wanted, the anti-graft agency said in a statement, alleging his involvement in money-laundering and diversion of client funds.
According to the EFCC, investigators issued the wanted notice after efforts to contact the businessman and secure his appearance for questioning were unsuccessful. The agency said the allegations relate to transactions and accounts that are part of an ongoing probe; it did not disclose full case files or provide a detailed timeline in the initial public notice.
Sujimoto — known for high-end property developments and a prominent profile in the real-estate sector — has not publicly responded to the EFCC’s announcement at the time of this report. His legal representatives have not issued a statement to confirm whether they will cooperate with investigators. Under Nigerian law, an individual named in an investigation is entitled to due process and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The EFCC typically follows wanted notices with efforts to locate and arrest suspects through its operational units and in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies. If arrested, the accused would be processed under the agency’s investigative framework and could be charged if sufficient evidence is found. Observers say the progress and outcome of such cases often hinge on documentary records, bank transaction tracing and cooperation from financial institutions.
The announcement has sparked commentary across social and mainstream media, with some calling for swift action to protect affected clients and for transparent handling of the investigation, while others urged restraint until formal charges are filed and tested in court. Consumer-protection and real-estate industry groups said clients with outstanding contracts or payments should document their transactions and seek legal advice if they believe funds have been misapplied.
Legal experts note that high-profile investigations raise complex issues around asset freezes, interim injunctions and the interplay between criminal and civil remedies for aggrieved parties. They also emphasise that suspects have the right to legal representation and to challenge evidence in court.
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