Police detain ‘Obi of Lagos’, 3 accomplices, foil installation ceremony

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Police operatives have arrested a 65-year-old indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North LGA of Imo State identified as Engr. Chibuike Azubike for allegedly plotting to install himself as the Obi of Lagos with the unveiling of a prototype ₦1.5 billion palace.

Azubike, who has been parading himself was arrested alongside three of his accomplices identified as Chief Chibuzor Ani ‘m’, aged 57 years; Chief Martins Nwaodika ‘m’, aged 65 years; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi ‘m’, aged 41 years who were allegedly planning his installation ceremony.

Police said they have foiled the ‘unlawful’ installation ceremony with the arrest of the four suspects in a statement by DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, its public relations officer,

Oluseyi said the arrest of the four suspects followed information that they 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.

He added that police operatives have been deployed to the premises earmarked for the ceremony 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 statement reads, “The Lagos State Police Command today, Wednesday , September 10, 2025, successfully arrested a self-acclaimed traditional ruler who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos” along with three accomplices thereby foiling their attempt to mislead the public through an unlawful installation ceremony.

“The principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike ‘m’, aged 65 years, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North LGA of Imo State, was arrested alongside three co-conspirators: Chief Chibuzor Ani ‘m’, aged 57 years; Chief Martins Nwaodika ‘m’, aged 65 years; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi ‘m’, aged 41 years. All four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

“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 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 suspects are currently in detention and investigation is progressing into their nefarious activities. The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and they will be charged to court accordingly.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warns members of the public to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements who attempt to exploit revered cultural and traditional institutions for selfish gains. He reiterates that such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and capable of breaching the peace of the society.

“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.”