The Lagos State Police Command has stated that Chibuike Azubike, who recently proclaimed himself the ‘Obi of Lagos’ and announced plans to unveil a N1.5 billion palace, is not an engineer.
Azubike was arrested on Saturday alongside Chibuzor Ani (57), Martins Nwaodika (65), and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41).
According to the police, the group had arranged to present a prototype of a N1.5 billion ‘Palace of Obi of Lagos State’ on September 13 in the Amuwo Odofin area.
In a statement issued on Friday, Babaseyi Oluseyi, spokesperson of the Lagos Command, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Azubike is not a certified engineer, as he had claimed, but rather a supplier of building materials.
He explained that the supposed palace project was a fraudulent scheme intended to deceive unsuspecting individuals under the guise of a grand chieftaincy initiative.
The police further clarified that Azubike acted independently, without endorsement or recognition from any legitimate traditional authority.
“Investigation so far revealed that the principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, later confessed to the Police that he is not a qualified engineer but merely a supplier of construction materials to construction companies, which formed the basis upon which he has been parading himself as an engineer,” the statement reads.
“Further findings revealed that the planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and other Nigerians of their hard-earned money under the guise of the ‘…unveiling of the prototype of a ₦1.5 BILLION PALACE of Obi of Lagos State’.
“It was also established that the principal suspect acted alone, without the backing or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority.”
The police urged Lagos residents to ignore Azubike’s claims and online posts.
Olohundare Jimoh, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, called on the public to remain alert against fraudsters and assured that the suspects will be prosecuted once investigations are completed.