By Peter Dansu The Lagos State Police Command has revealed that the self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” Chibuike Azubike, confessed to mastermin...
By Peter Dansu
The Lagos State Police Command has revealed that the self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” Chibuike Azubike, confessed to masterminding a grand installation ceremony as a scheme to defraud unsuspecting guests.
Badagry Today had earlier reported that, Azubike, 65, was arrested on Wednesday alongside three alleged accomplices while preparing for what police described as an unlawful unveiling ceremony in Amuwo Odofin.
According to the police, the group had planned to stage the launch of a supposed ₦1.5 billion “Palace of the Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed that Azubike admitted during interrogation that the elaborate ceremony was nothing more than a scam. He also confessed that, contrary to his earlier claims, he was not an engineer but only a supplier of construction materials.
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“Investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Chibuike Azubike, has been parading himself as a qualified engineer when he is not. Further findings showed that the planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was deliberately designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and Nigerians of their hard-earned money,” Oluseyi said.
The police added that Azubike acted without the support or recognition of any legitimate traditional institution. He and his accomplices are expected to face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
Oluseyi also urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and disregard misleading claims surrounding the incident. “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 warned.
The arrest has sparked heated debates on social media, with some questioning its legitimacy while others insist that assuming a traditional title without proper authority is illegal.
This is not the first time Lagos has witnessed such controversy. Back in April 2023, the self-styled “Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate,” Frederick Nwajagu, was arrested for unlawfully parading himself as a traditional chief.
As of press time, Azubike remains in police custody and has not issued any personal response to the allegations.
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