Self-Styled ‘Obi of Lagos’ Admitted Installation Was a Fraud Scheme — Police

Police in Lagos say a man who styled himself as the “Obi of Lagos” has admitted that his planned installation ceremony was nothing more than a scheme to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The suspect, 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, was arrested on Wednesday along with three alleged accomplices while preparing for what authorities described as an unlawful unveiling at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin. According to the Lagos State Police Command, the group had also announced plans to showcase a prototype of a supposed N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13.

Police spokesperson Babaseyi Oluseyi said Azubike confessed during interrogation that the event was designed to swindle participants. He also admitted he was not an engineer as he had previously claimed, but only a supplier of construction materials. “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 said.

Investigators added that Azubike acted without the support or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority. He and his alleged accomplices remain in custody and are expected to be prosecuted after investigations.

The police urged residents to disregard misleading claims about the incident and remain alert to similar fraudulent activities. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh advised Lagosians not to fall victim to schemes of this nature.

The arrest has since sparked heated debates online, with some social media users questioning the action while others argued that assuming a traditional title without authorisation is unlawful.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Lagos. In April 2023, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Frederick Nwajagu, was arrested for allegedly parading himself unlawfully as a titled chief.