The Lagos State Police Command has revealed that the arrested self-styled “Obi of Lagos,” Chibuike Azubike, confessed that his planned installation was a ploy to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

The command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Recall that Instant News had earlier reported that Azubike, 65, was arrested on Wednesday alongside three alleged accomplices while preparing for an unlawful unveiling ceremony. He was reportedly parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos.”

According to the police, the group planned to launch a prototype of a proposed 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 installation was conceived to deceive and fleece unsuspecting guests. He further confessed that, contrary to his claims of being an engineer, he was merely a supplier of construction materials.

> “Investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Chibuike Azubike, 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 the suspect acted without the backing or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority. The police said Azubike and his accomplices will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

The statement further advised residents to 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,” Oluseyi noted.

As of the time of filing this report, Azubike could not be reached for comments as he remains in police custody.

The arrest has already triggered ethnic debates on social media, with some questioning the legitimacy of the move, while others insist that assuming a traditional title without authorisation is illegal.

This case mirrors a similar incident in April 2023, when the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, Frederick Nwajagu, was arrested for unlawfully parading himself as a titled chief in Lagos.