Arraignment of self-styled ‘Obi of Lagos’ stalled

By Akin Kuponiyi

A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square today adjourned the arraignment of self-proclaimed ‘Obi of Lagos’, Chibuike Azubuike, and three others to 31st October 2025, due to the absence of one of the defendants, Dr Sunday Udeh.

The self-styled Obi Eze Ndigbo, Azubuike, along with Chief Martins Nwaodika, Chibuzor Ani, and Dr Sunday Udeh, is being arraigned before Justice Abdul-Raheem Muyideen by the Lagos State Government on charges relating to alleged unlawful assembly and the unauthorised creation of a chieftaincy title.

The defendants face a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and the creation of a chieftaincy title—offences said to contravene the laws of Lagos State.

According to the charge filed by the Lagos State Government, the defendants allegedly conspired to commit the offences in the Ikotun area of Lagos State on or about 13th September 2025.

It is further alleged that they unlawfully created the chieftaincy titles of ‘Obi Ndigbo Lagos State’ and ‘Dike Oha Ndigbo Lagos State’ without lawful authority at No. 6 Anjorin Street, beside Total Filling Station, Lawanson, Lagos.

The offences are said to be in contravention of Sections 411 and 34 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

When the case was called for the defendants to take their plea, the arraignment could not proceed as the fourth defendant, Dr Sunday Udeh, failed to appear in court.

The state prosecutor, B. T. Adaramola, informed the court that the matter was listed for arraignment and that the prosecution was ready to proceed.

Azubuike’s counsel, Moses Apasogu, reminded the court of a previous order made at the last sitting, which led to the adjournment to today, also due to Udeh’s absence.

Chris Obiaka appeared for Ani, while Charles Onyaka represented both Nwaodika and Udeh, the second and fourth defendants respectively.

Onyaka apologised for Udeh’s absence, stating that he had contacted him on the previous adjourned date to remind him of today’s sitting. He said Udeh confirmed receiving a text message from the police regarding the arraignment.

He added that he had also called Udeh earlier today, and was assured he was on his way to court, but he ultimately failed to appear.

“I crave the indulgence of this honourable court to grant one more adjournment,” Onyaka said, undertaking to produce Udeh at the next hearing.

Justice Muyideen subsequently ordered that the first to third defendants remain in police custody pending their arraignment.

The matter was adjourned to 31st October 2025 for arraignment.