The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, who allegedly paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos,” alongside three alleged accomplices, thwarting their planned installation ceremony.
The arrest, according to the Command, was carried out on Wednesday, September 10, following intelligence that the group had concluded plans to unveil a prototype of a ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, on Saturday, September 13.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babasuyi B. Oluseyi, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, said the suspects were taken into custody to prevent them from misleading the public.
“The principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, was arrested alongside three co-conspirators: Chief Chibuzor Ani, 57; Chief Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41. All four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja,” Oluseyi said.
He explained that operatives promptly sealed off the proposed venue and deployed security teams to ensure the unlawful event did not hold.
“In furtherance of this preventive action, the Command deployed adequate manpower, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads, to the premises earmarked for the ceremony.
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“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,” he said.
Oluseyi further stated that investigations into the activities of the suspects are ongoing, stressing that they would be charged to court upon conclusion.
Meanwhile, CP Jimoh cautioned Lagos residents to be wary of impostors and individuals who exploit traditional and cultural institutions for selfish purposes.
“The Commissioner of Police 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,” the statement read. “He reiterates that such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and capable of breaching the peace of the society.”
The police assured that the Command would continue to take decisive steps against acts that undermine public order and the integrity of the state.
