Nabbed Fake “Obi of Lagos” Makes Incriminating Confession in Custody
- Lagos police arrest 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike for parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and plotting a fake ₦1.5 billion palace unveiling
- Investigations show Azubike acted without recognition from any legitimate traditional authority and allegedly aimed to defraud unsuspecting guests
- The suspect confessed he is not a certified engineer but a supplier of construction materials who used the title “engineer” to gain credibility
The Lagos State Police Command has provided fresh details on the arrest of a man who falsely presented himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and attempted to stage an elaborate installation ceremony.
The suspect, 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, was picked up along with three alleged accomplices after police uncovered plans to unveil a prototype of a fictitious ₦1.5 billion “Obi of Lagos Palace” at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin on September 13.
Source: Facebook
Lagos police arrest fake ‘Obi of Lagos’ over palace scam
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi said in a statement on Thursday that preliminary investigation showed Azubike acted without any endorsement from legitimate traditional authorities.
The planned unveiling was allegedly a scheme to defraud unsuspecting invitees and attract financial support under the guise of building a grand palace.
Police disclosed that Azubike confessed he is not a certified engineer as he had claimed but only a supplier of construction materials.
He admitted adopting the title of engineer to bolster his credibility while promoting the event.
Source: Original
Police reveal details of fraudulent ₦1.5 billion palace plan
Investigators also found that the self-styled monarch worked independently and fabricated the entire project to lend weight to his false claim of kingship.
Authorities confirmed that Azubike and the three other suspects remain in custody at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja.
Their names were given as Chief Chibuzor Ani, Chief Martins Nwaodika and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi. They will be charged in court once the investigation is concluded.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh urged Lagos residents to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to impostors who exploit traditional institutions for personal gain.
He reassured the public that the command remains committed to maintaining law and order and will not tolerate acts capable of causing public unrest.
The police also advised the public to disregard misleading flyers and online publications promoting the so-called palace unveiling.
Investigators described the planned ceremony as a carefully crafted deception designed to lure prominent personalities and other Nigerians into parting with money for a non-existent project.
The Lagos Command reiterated that legal action will follow swiftly after the investigation and warned that similar fraudulent schemes will face decisive enforcement.
Lagos bans Egungun public street procession
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Lagos State Police Command had ordered that all activities related to the ongoing Egungun masquerade festival be limited to approved outing points and designated celebration venues across the state.
The directive, announced on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, came in response to reported disturbances and clashes among rival groups during the traditional festival in some parts of Lagos in recent days.
According to the police, the restriction is intended to protect lives and property while ensuring that the rights of people of other faiths are not infringed upon during the festivities.
Source: Legit.ng
