Police Arrest Fake “Obi of Lagos” Over N1.5bn Palace Fraud Scheme

Police spokesperson, Deputy PRO Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed on Thursday that the 65-year-old suspect was arrested alongside three accomplices while preparing for an unlawful installation ceremony.

According to Oluseyi, Azubike had planned to stage the unveiling of a so-called N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.

During interrogation, Azubike reportedly confessed that the event was nothing more than a ploy to defraud unsuspecting guests. He also admitted that, contrary to earlier claims, he was not an engineer but merely a supplier of construction materials.

“Findings revealed that the unveiling was fraudulently designed to swindle unsuspecting personalities of their hard-earned money. The suspect acted alone, with no recognition from any legitimate chieftaincy authority,” Oluseyi said.

The police assured that Azubike and his accomplices would face prosecution at the conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, meanwhile urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and not fall victim to impostors.

The arrest has sparked ethnic debates on social media. While some questioned the legitimacy of the police action, others stressed that assuming traditional titles without authorisation is unlawful.

A similar case occurred in April 2023, when Frederick Nwajagu, the so-called Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, was arrested for parading himself as a traditional chief in Lagos.