Aglow Logo
Back to Homepage
Crime Watch

Police: ‘Obi of Lagos’ admits installation was fraud scheme

Aglow News
September 12, 2025
Police: ‘Obi of Lagos’ admits installation was fraud scheme

Police: ‘Obi of Lagos’ admits installation was fraud scheme

The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday said the arrested self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” Chibuike Azubike, confessed that the planned installation was a scheme to defraud unsuspecting participants.The command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Article image

Journalists had earlier reported that 65-year-old Azubike was arrested while parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos.” He was apprehended on Wednesday with three alleged accomplices during preparations for an unlawful unveiling ceremony.According to the police, the group had planned to launch a prototype of a purported N1.5bn “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.Oluseyi said Azubike admitted during interrogation that the planned installation was designed to fleece unsuspecting guests.

The suspect also reportedly confessed that, contrary to his earlier claims, he was not an engineer but merely a supplier of construction materials.“Investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Chibuike Azubike, confessed he is not a qualified engineer but has been parading himself as one. Further findings showed that the planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and Nigerians of their hard-earned money,” Oluseyi said.He added that Azubike acted alone without the backing or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority. The suspect and his accomplices, he said, would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.Oluseyi urged Lagos residents to disregard misleading claims about the incident and remain vigilant.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, strongly advises Lagosians not to fall prey to fraudsters of the likes of Azubike and his gang,” he stated.As of the time of filing this report, our correspondent could not obtain Azubike’s reaction as he remained in police custody. The arrest has stirred ethnic debates on social media, with some questioning its legitimacy while others argue that assuming a traditional title without authorisation is illegal.

In a similar case, on April 1, 2023, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Frederick Nwajagu, was arrested for unlawfully parading himself as a titled chief in Lagos.

Tags

Crime Watch

Related Posts

Crime Watch: Police Arrest Community Head, Four Suspects Over Alleged Sexual Assault During Delta Festival

Crime Watch: Police Arrest Community Head, Four Suspects Over Alleged Sexual Assault During Delta Festival

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a community head and four other suspects over alleged sexual assault incidents involving young women during a festival in Oruamudhu community, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and possible prosecution. The police also confirmed that tactical and investigative teams have been deployed to ensure all those involved are identified and brought to justice. The command urged residents, especially victims and witnesses, to come forward with useful information to assist ongoing investigations, assuring the public that all reports will be handled with confidentiality. It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting the rights and safety of citizens. Meanwhile, the Delta State Government condemned the incident, describing the alleged acts as “barbaric and unacceptable,” and emphasized that such behavior has no place in society.

Read More →
Crime Watch: You Cannot Say I Should Be Responsible For Naming Financiers Of Terror — Buratai

Crime Watch: You Cannot Say I Should Be Responsible For Naming Financiers Of Terror — Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said he should not be held responsible for naming individuals allegedly financing terrorism in Nigeria, stressing that the responsibility lies with the appropriate government agencies. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Buratai explained that the relevant authorities are aware of those behind terror financing but have not made their identities public for reasons known to them. He maintained that action, rather than public disclosure, should be the priority in addressing the issue. He also clarified that decisions regarding the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram members were taken by the government, not the military. According to him, the army’s role was limited to offering surrender options during counterinsurgency operations and handing over repentant individuals to the appropriate agencies for deradicalization and reintegration. Buratai further called for improved intelligence gathering and increased recruitment of security personnel to better tackle Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

Read More →
Crime Watch: Why I Took Action Against Native Doctors Promising Wealth Without Work — Soludo

Crime Watch: Why I Took Action Against Native Doctors Promising Wealth Without Work — Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has explained that his administration’s recent crackdown on some native doctors is aimed at curbing criminal activities disguised as traditional practices. Speaking during a media chat in Awka, he stressed that while his government fully respects freedom of religion and traditional worship, it will not tolerate acts that promote crime under the guise of spirituality. Soludo distinguished between genuine traditional religion and what he described as “criminal idolatry,” noting that some individuals have allegedly used traditional practices to aid kidnappers, armed robbers, and internet fraudsters through charms, rituals, and other illicit means. He added that such practices, including alleged money rituals and the preparation of charms for criminal enterprises, have no connection to authentic traditional beliefs and must be stopped. The governor further disclosed that the state has been taking enforcement actions, including arrests and prosecutions of individuals linked to such activities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining public safety while protecting lawful religious and cultural practices.

Read More →

Share this article