Lagos Police arrests ‘Obi Of Lagos, stops proposed 1.5bn palace unveiling

By Adetayo Omotoyosi Adeolu

The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, announced the arrest of 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.

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The State Police Command, in a statement released on X, stated that four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja. According to the police, intelligence available showed that the group had finalised 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.

The statement added that this prompted the police to seal off the venue to forestall any breach of the peace and to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being misled. The Lagos State police said it has deployed officers to the venue of the proposed ceremony, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads.

The police also assured the public not to panic, as the deployment of officers was intended to ensure that the event did not proceed as planned and to maintain public order and peace. The Police Deputy Public Relations Officer in Lagos, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, said that the arrested suspects are in detention, and investigation has commenced. He added that the findings will be made public and the suspects will also be charged to court.

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

Oludare stated firmly that 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.