By Erewunmi Peace

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man who falsely paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos,” admitting that the entire installation and palace project was a fraudulent scheme designed to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

Police identified the suspect as Chibuike Azubike, 65, who allegedly planned to unveil a prototype of a ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

According to police spokesperson DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, the suspect confessed during interrogation that he was never a certified engineer as he had earlier claimed, but only a supplier of construction materials. He also admitted that the “Obi of Lagos” installation and palace unveiling were part of a fraudulent scheme.

“The suspect has confessed that he is not an engineer but a mere supplier of materials. He further admitted that the purported installation as Obi of Lagos was a fraudulent plan to defraud the people,” DSP Oluseyi said.

The police described the scheme as an attempt to extort money under false pretenses, adding that investigations were ongoing to track down accomplices involved in the plot.

Authorities have urged Lagos residents to be cautious of impostors exploiting traditional titles and cultural symbols to defraud people.

Azubike is currently in custody and, according to police, will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.

The title of “Obi” traditionally belongs to monarchs in parts of southeastern Nigeria, not Lagos State. The attempt to introduce such a title in Lagos raised suspicions and eventually led to police intervention.

This report will be updated as the case develops and court proceedings begin.