“Obi of Lagos” Scam: Police Arrest Fake Traditional Ruler in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme under the guise of installing himself as the “Obi of Lagos.”

Azubike was arrested alongside three alleged accomplices while making preparations for a fake coronation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall in the Amuwo Odofin area.

According to the police, Azubike confessed that the entire plan, including the unveiling of a fictitious N1.5 billion “Palace of the Obi of Lagos,” was fabricated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and extort money from them. The suspect revealed that the purported coronation was never legitimate but rather a carefully staged scam designed to attract guests, investors, and donations.

The police investigation also showed that Azubike, who paraded himself as an engineer, had no such professional qualifications. He reportedly told detectives that he was only a construction material supplier.

“We have arrested the suspect and his accomplices, and they will face prosecution once investigations are concluded,” said Babaseyi Oluseyi, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command.

“The so-called palace unveiling was simply a front for fraud, and there is no recognition or approval of Azubike’s claims by any traditional council or authority in Lagos.”

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has warned residents to be wary of people exploiting cultural heritage and traditional titles to perpetrate scams. “Such fraudulent acts will be met with the full weight of the law,” he emphasized.

The police command reassures residents of its commitment to maintaining peace, security, and public order while protecting citizens from criminal deception.

READ FULL DETAILS FROM THE POLICE

UPDATE ON ARREST OF SELF-ACCLAIMED “OBI OF LAGOS” ALONG WITH THREE OTHER SUSPECTS

• Preliminary Investigation Update on Self-Acclaimed “Obi of Lagos” and His Fraudulent Activities

The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the public of updates on the ongoing investigation into the criminal activities of the principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike ‘m’, aged 65 years, who recently acclaimed himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and announced plans for the “…unveiling of the prototype of a ₦1.5 BILLION PALACE of Obi of Lagos State…” at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, 13th September 2025.

2. Investigation so far revealed that the principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, later confessed to the Police that he is not a qualified engineer but merely a supplier of construction materials to construction companies, which formed the basis upon which he has been parading himself as an engineer.

3. Further findings revealed that the planned unveiling of the “Obi of Lagos Palace” was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and other Nigerians of their hard-earned money under the guise of the “…unveiling of the prototype of a ₦1.5 BILLION PALACE of Obi of Lagos State.”

4. It was also established that the principal suspect acted alone, without the backing or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority. Members of the public are therefore enjoined to disregard his claims and other misleading publications on social media aimed at causing disaffection among the peace-loving people of Lagos. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing, and all suspects involved will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

5. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, strongly enjoins the people of Lagos to remain vigilant and not to fall prey to fraudsters of the likes of Chibuike Azubike and his gang. He further reassures the good people of Lagos State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, security, and public order while protecting citizens against all forms of criminal deception.

DSP BABASEYI B. OLUSEYI
DEPUTY POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
LAGOS STATE COMMAND
IKEJA

SEPTEMBER 11, 2025