The Lagos State Police Command has provided new details on the arrest and investigation of Engr. Chibuike Azubike, who falsely claimed to be the “Obi of Lagos” and allegedly planned to unveil a N1.5 billion palace in the state.
The suspect, who was arrested earlier this week, came under police radar after intelligence reports revealed plans to hold an elaborate event to unveil the supposed Obi of Lagos Palace. The event was scheduled to take place at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, on Friday, September 13, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday night, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Lagos State Command, DSP Babaseyi B. Oluseyi, said investigations showed that Azubike is not a qualified engineer as he had claimed.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he is not an engineer. He only supplies construction materials to construction companies,” DSP Oluseyi said.
This revelation raised more suspicion about Azubike’s intentions, especially with the scale of the planned palace project and the event surrounding it.
According to the police, further investigation revealed that the entire event and title were fraudulently designed to deceive the public. The so-called unveiling of a N1.5 billion palace was allegedly a scam targeted at defrauding unsuspecting individuals, including high-profile guests who were reportedly invited to the event.
DSP Oluseyi also confirmed that Azubike acted alone and had no recognition from any legitimate traditional institution in Lagos or any other part of Nigeria. “The investigation clearly established that the principal suspect acted without the backing or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority,” he said.
He added that the suspect had been spreading false claims and using social media platforms to promote himself as a traditional ruler in Lagos, a move the police say was aimed at causing confusion and misleading the public.
The Lagos State Police Command has now called on the public to disregard any publications, invitations, or posts related to Azubike or the supposed “Obi of Lagos Palace”.
“Members of the public are therefore enjoined to disregard his claims and other misleading publications on social media aimed at causing disaffection among the peace-loving people of Lagos,” the police stated.
While investigations are still ongoing, the police have confirmed that all suspects involved in the incident will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of other accomplices and are calling for the public to come forward with any useful information.
The Lagos State Police also warned the public to be cautious about individuals making royal or official claims without proper verification. “This is a clear example of how scammers can exploit culture and tradition for personal gain,” a senior police officer noted.
In Nigeria, traditional titles and institutions are held in high regard and often play key roles in community leadership. The title of “Obi” is traditionally associated with Igbo royalty, not Yoruba kingship structures like the Oba of Lagos, making Azubike’s claim even more suspicious from the beginning.
The attempted public presentation of a N1.5 billion palace without any formal recognition or historical basis triggered widespread concern online, prompting police action.
