The Lagos State Police Command has disclosed that 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, recently arrested for falsely parading himself as the self-styled “Obi of Lagos,” confessed that his planned installation ceremony was part of a scheme to defraud unsuspecting participants.
According to police spokesman Babaseyi Oluseyi, Azubike admitted during interrogation that the elaborate event, including the unveiling of a purported ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State,” was a ploy to extort money from guests.
Azubike, arrested on Wednesday alongside three alleged accomplices, reportedly planned to hold the fraudulent ceremony on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
The suspect also confessed to falsely claiming to be an engineer, revealing instead that he was merely a supplier of construction materials.
Police investigations confirmed that Azubike had no legitimate backing from any recognized chieftaincy authority.
“This planned installation was fraudulently designed to swindle unsuspecting individuals of their hard-earned money,” Oluseyi stated, adding that Azubike and his accomplices would face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and avoid being deceived by fraudsters exploiting traditional institutions.
The arrest has sparked debates on social media, with some questioning its legitimacy while others argue that assuming unauthorized traditional titles is illegal.
This incident mirrors a similar case from April 2023, when Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, was arrested for illegally parading himself as a titled chief in Lagos.
Azubike remains in police custody as investigations continue.
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