Police: Self-styled ‘Obi of Lagos’ Confesses Installation, Fundraiser was Fraud

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Chibuike Azubike, a 65-year-old man arrested for parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos,” confessed that his planned installation and fundraiser were fraudulent schemes aimed at deceiving unsuspecting participants.

Azubike was arrested on Wednesday with three alleged accomplices while preparing for an unlawful unveiling ceremony.

According to the police, the group had scheduled the launch of a prototype for a purported N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin.

In a statement yesterday, the command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said the suspect admitted during interrogation that the installation and palace fundraiser were designed to fleece invited guests.

He also confessed that, contrary to his earlier claims, he is not an engineer but only a supplier of construction materials.

“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 added that Azubike had no backing or recognition from any legitimate chieftaincy authority. He and his alleged accomplices will be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

Oluseyi urged Lagos residents to disregard misleading claims about the incident and remain alert to fraudulent activities.

“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 said.