The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, for allegedly parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos.
Azubike, who hails from Obodoukwu in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, was arrested on Saturday alongside three accomplices: Chibuzor Ani, 57; Martins Nwaodika, 65; and
Police described his actions as unlawful and a threat to public peace.Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41.
According to the police, the suspects had planned to unveil a prototype of a proposed ₦1.5 billion “Palace of the Obi of Lagos State” on September 13 in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.
Authorities said the scheme was designed to mislead the public into believing in a nonexistent traditional institution.
Deputy police spokesperson, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed in a statement that operatives acted swiftly to shut down the planned event.
He explained that security personnel sealed off the venue and deployed tactical units to prevent any disturbance.
“In furtherance of this preventive action, the Command deployed adequate manpower, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads, to the premises earmarked for the ceremony.
Their presence was to guarantee that the event did not hold as planned and to ensure that public order and peace within the area were not compromised,” the statement read.
The suspects were taken to the police headquarters in Ikeja, where they remain in custody.
Oluseyi added that they will be charged once investigations into their activities are concluded.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, cautioned residents to be vigilant against impostors attempting to exploit cultural and traditional structures for selfish gains.
He described the actions of Azubike and his group as “unlawful” and capable of creating confusion and disorder in society.
“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,” Jimoh warned.
The police further urged Lagosians to rely on recognized cultural authorities and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
They emphasized that no individual has the right to assume unrecognized titles or create false institutions in a state with established traditional leadership structures.
The arrest has sparked conversations on social media, with many Nigerians mocking the audacity of the suspects while others raised concerns about fraudsters exploiting culture and identity for financial schemes.
For now, the police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and promised that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion.
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