- Aborts N1.5bn Palace Unveiling
The Nigerian police, Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man who allegedly paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos,” along with three accomplices, thereby thwarting their planned unveiling ceremony.
The suspects, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, 65, of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North LGA, Imo State; Chief Chibuzor Ani, 57; Chief Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41, were arrested on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
According to the police, they are now in custody at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
In a statement released on Wednesday by DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, the Deputy Police spokesperson for the Lagos Command, the group had concluded plans to unveil a prototype of a purported N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, on Saturday, September 13.
Acting swiftly, operatives sealed off the venue to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being misled.
The Command deployed conventional police officers, Eko Strike Force operatives, and other tactical squads to ensure the ceremony did not hold and to maintain peace in the area.
Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh described the suspects’ actions as an unlawful attempt to exploit revered cultural institutions for selfish gain.
He warned members of the public to remain vigilant against impostors and stressed that such acts are contrary to Lagos State statutes and capable of disturbing public order.
The statement read, “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.
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