The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, for allegedly parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos” in a scheme to defraud members of the public of over ₦1.5 billion.
Azubike was apprehended ahead of a planned event slated for Saturday, September 13, where he intended to unveil a prototype of what he described as a “₦1.5 billion palace of the Obi of Lagos State.”
According to police findings, the supposed unveiling ceremony was nothing more than a ploy to fraudulently solicit funds from prominent individuals and members of the public.
The suspect, who also styled himself as an “engineer,” reportedly confessed during interrogation that he held no such professional qualifications.
Instead, he admitted his claim was based solely on his experience supplying construction materials.
Further findings revealed that Azubike acted alone, without any backing from legitimate traditional institutions or recognized chieftaincy authorities.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged Lagos residents to disregard Azubike’s false claims and remain vigilant against similar fraudulent schemes.
“The Command remains committed to protecting citizens from all forms of criminal deception,” CP Jimoh said.
The police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that all suspects involved will be charged in court upon conclusion.
