‘Obi of Lagos’ Coronation Mere Scam – Police

 ‘Obi of Lagos’  Coronation Mere Scam – Police

The Lagos State Police Command has revealed that Chibuike Azubike, a 65-year-old man recently apprehended, confessed to orchestrating a fraudulent scheme centered around falsely installing himself as the “Obi of Lagos.”

According to the police, Azubike admitted his intention was to mislead the public and solicit funds under false pretenses.

In a statement issued by Deputy Public Relations Officer Babaseyi Oluseyi, Azubike disclosed during interrogation that the proposed unveiling of a ₦1.5 billion so-called “Palace of the Obi of Lagos” was a ploy to entice unsuspecting individuals and investors into contributing financially.

“The suspect admitted that the entire coronation plan was fabricated to lend credibility to a scam. He acknowledged that he is not a traditional ruler and has no legitimate claim to the title ‘Obi of Lagos.’ His objective was to defraud attendees,” Oluseyi stated.

Further police findings revealed that Azubike had also falsely presented himself as an engineer, though he later confessed to being merely a supplier of construction materials with no formal qualifications. He was arrested alongside three alleged accomplices while preparing for the sham coronation ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Investigators noted that the event was deliberately designed to resemble a traditional installation, likely to gain trust and attract prominent individuals for the purpose of securing donations, pledges, or investments linked to the fictitious palace project.

“No traditional council or chieftaincy body in Lagos recognizes Azubike’s claims. The palace unveiling was purely a façade to legitimize fraudulent activity,” Oluseyi added.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has urged residents to remain alert and avoid falling victim to similar scams that exploit cultural institutions and titles for financial gain