The Lagos State Police Command has described the planned coronation of 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos,” as fraudulent.
Azubike was arrested on Wednesday alongside three other suspects after announcing plans for the unveiling of a N1.5 billion “Obi of Lagos Palace” at Apple Hall in the Amuwo Odofin area of the state and slated for Saturday, September 13.
The command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babasaye Oluseyi, while providing an update on the development in a statement on Thursday, stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the event was a ploy to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
He added that the suspect acted alone and without the backing or recognition of any legitimate chieftaincy authority.
The statement read, “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. 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. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing, and all suspects involved will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation.”
The police image maker further disclosed that Azubike also confessed that he was not a certified engineer but merely a supplier of building materials.
“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 statement added.
The police disclosed that Azubike and his accomplices would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, in the statement, warned Lagos residents to be vigilant and reassured them of the command’s resolve to clamp down on fraudsters
“We enjoin the people of Lagos not to fall prey to fraudsters like Chibuike Azubike and his gang. The command remains committed to ensuring peace, security, and public order while protecting citizens against all forms of criminal deception,” Jimoh noted.
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