The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, who falsely paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos,” over an alleged plot to defraud unsuspecting participants through a bogus palace installation.
Azubike was apprehended on Wednesday alongside three accomplices while preparing for an unlawful unveiling ceremony scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
In a statement on Thursday, the Command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said Azubike confessed during interrogation that the installation plan was a fraudulent scheme designed to fleece guests.
“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 as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and Nigerians of their hard-earned money,” Oluseyi stated.
The police disclosed that the group had proposed a ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” project, but the unveiling was merely a front for extortion. Contrary to his earlier claims, Azubike admitted he was not an engineer but only a supplier of construction materials.
Oluseyi stressed that Azubike acted alone without recognition or backing from any legitimate chieftaincy authority. He assured that the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded, while urging Lagos residents to remain vigilant.
“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.
The development has sparked ethnic debates on social media, with some questioning the legitimacy of the arrest, while others insist that assuming a traditional title without authorisation is unlawful.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Lagos. On April 1, 2023, Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, was arrested for unlawfully parading himself as a traditional chief.
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