The Lagos State Police Command has described the planned coronation of 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, who called himself the “Obi of Lagos,” as scam
Azubike was arrested on Wednesday along with three others after publicizing plans to unveil a N1.5 billion “Obi of Lagos Palace” at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, scheduled for Saturday, September 13.
In a statement on Thursday, the command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babasaye Oluseyi, said preliminary investigations revealed that the event was a plot to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
“Further findings revealed that the planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and other Nigerians of their hard-earned money under the guise of the unveiling of a prototype of a ₦1.5 billion palace of Obi of Lagos State.
“It was also established that the principal suspect acted alone, without the backing or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority. Members of the public are therefore enjoined to disregard his claims and other misleading publications on social media aimed at causing disaffection among the peace-loving people of Lagos. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing, and all suspects involved will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the statement read.
Oluseyi disclosed that Azubike confessed he was not a certified engineer but merely a supplier of building materials.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, also warned Lagos residents to be on alert and assured that the command would continue to clamp down on fraudulent activities.
“We enjoin the people of Lagos not to fall prey to fraudsters like Chibuike Azubike and his gang. The command remains committed to ensuring peace, security, and public order while protecting citizens against all forms of criminal deception,” Jimoh stated.
Police had earlier deployed operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and tactical squads to the venue to stop the event and maintain public peace.
Authorities noted that this is not the first time security agencies have cracked down on individuals styling themselves as monarchs in Lagos. In April 2023, Frederick Nwajagu, the self-styled Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, was arrested after a viral video surfaced in which he threatened to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos.
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