The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, who had been parading himself as the self-styled “Obi of Lagos,” over an alleged plot to defraud unsuspecting residents.
The Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday. Azubike was apprehended alongside three accomplices on Wednesday during preparations for an unveiling ceremony scheduled for September 13 at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
According to police investigations, the group had planned to introduce a prototype of a purported N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” as part of the event. During interrogation, Azubike allegedly admitted that the entire installation was a ploy to swindle participants.
Oluseyi further revealed that the suspect also falsely claimed to be an engineer. “Investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Chibuike Azubike, confessed he is not a qualified engineer but has been parading himself as one. Further findings showed that the planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was fraudulently designed to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard-earned money,” he said.
The police spokesperson clarified that Azubike acted without the backing of any recognised chieftaincy institution. He noted that the suspect and his accomplices would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
Oluseyi also urged Lagos residents to be vigilant and disregard misleading claims. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, strongly advises Lagosians not to fall prey to fraudsters of the likes of Azubike and his gang,” he added.
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The arrest has since sparked ethnic debates on social media, with some questioning the legitimacy of the action and others stressing that assuming traditional titles without proper authorisation is illegal.
A similar case occurred in April 2023 when the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Frederick Nwajagu, was arrested for allegedly parading himself unlawfully as a traditional chief in Lagos.
