POLICE ARREST SELF-ACCLAIMED “OBI OF LAGOS” ALONG WITH THREE ACCOMPLICES

FOILS PLANNED UNVEILING CEREMONY

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday arrested a self-acclaimed traditional ruler who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos” along with three of his accomplices thus foiled their attempt to conduct an unlawful installation ceremony.

A statement signed by DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command disclosed that the principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, a 65 years old indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North LGA of Imo State, was arrested along with three co-conspirators. The conspirators are Chief Chibuzor Ani, Chief Martins Nwaodika and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi. All the four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

The statement further revealed that intelligence available to the Command indicated that the group had finalized arrangements to unveil a prototype of a purported ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin. Acting on this information, the police promptly sealed off the venue in order to forestall any breach of the peace and to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being misled.

DSP Oluseyi revealed that 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 Police Spokesman further revealed that while the suspects are in detention investigation into their nefarious activities continues. Upon its conclusion, the outcome of the investigation will be made public, while the suspects would be charged to court.

DSP Oluseyi concluded the Press Statement by revealing that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warns members of the public to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements who may attempt to exploit revered cultural and traditional institutions for selfish gains. He reiterated that such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and are capable of breaching the peace of the society. He reiterated that 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.