Police Foil Fraudulent ‘Obi Of Lagos’ Coronation, Arrest 65-Year-Old Mastermind, Accomplices

THE Lagos State Police Command has thwarted an elaborate plot to stage the installation of a self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos” and unveil a bogus ₦1.5 billion palace, arresting the alleged mastermind, 65-year-old, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, and three accomplices.

The suspects—Azubike, Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41)—were arrested on Wednesday, 10 September, following intelligence that they had concluded arrangements to hold a public ceremony on Saturday, 13 September, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

According to police, the group planned to “unveil a prototype” of the so-called palace of the “Obi of Lagos State” in a move designed to mislead the public and fraudulently exploit revered traditional institutions.

Speaking on the arrest, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Olohundare Jimoh, described the action as decisive.

“We acted promptly to forestall any breach of the peace and to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being misled,” he said. “The Command will continue to enforce the law firmly and decisively against any individual or group engaging in acts that undermine legality, public order, and the integrity of the state.”

Further investigations revealed startling details about the prime suspect. Despite parading himself as “Engineer” Chibuike Azubike, he confessed under interrogation that he had no professional engineering qualifications and had only worked as a supplier of building materials to construction companies.

Police allege that Azubike’s self-styled title and the grandiose palace project were designed as part of a wider scheme to swindle unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of traditional authority.

“The planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting members of the public,” said DSP Babasayi Oluseyi, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement.

To prevent the unlawful coronation, the police sealed off the Apple Hall venue, deploying conventional operatives, the Eko Strike Force, and tactical squads. Their presence ensured the event was aborted before it could draw in potential victims or cause unrest in the community.

The suspects are currently being detained at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja while investigations continue. Authorities have assured the public that they will be charged to court once the case file is completed.

Warning To The Public

The Commissioner of Police also used the opportunity to warn Lagos residents against impostors who exploit cultural institutions for selfish gain.

“Such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and capable of breaching the peace of the society,” he cautioned.

With the foiling of this attempt, the police have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding both the sanctity of Nigeria’s traditional institutions and the confidence of citizens against fraudsters seeking to prey on cultural pride.