Police say a self-proclaimed “Obi of Lagos” admitted his planned installation was a fraudulent scheme to extort money from unsuspecting guests.
The Lagos State Police Command has revealed that a self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” Chibuike Azubike, confessed that his planned installation ceremony was a scheme to defraud unsuspecting participants.
Deputy Police PRO Babaseyi Oluseyi said on Thursday that Azubike, 65, was arrested on Wednesday with three alleged accomplices while preparing for the unlawful unveiling. Police said the group planned to launch a prototype of a purported N1.5 billion “Obi of Lagos Palace” on September 13 at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
“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 stated.
Police said Azubike acted alone without backing from any chieftaincy authority. He and his accomplices remain in custody pending prosecution.