Police arrest man ‘parading self’ as ‘Obi of Lagos’

The Lagos state police command has arrested a 65-year-old man identified as Chibuike Azubike for allegedly parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos”.

Azubike, an indigene of Obodoukwu, Ideato north LGA of Imo state, was arrested alongside Chibuzor Ani, 57; Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41; on Saturday.

In a statement issued by Babaseyi Oluseyi, deputy spokesperson of the command, the police said the suspects had planned to unveil a prototype of a N1.5 billion ‘Palace of Obi of Lagos State’ on September 13, in the Amuwo Odofin area of the state.

Acting on this information, security operatives sealed off the venue to prevent the event from taking place and to protect the public from being misled.

“In furtherance of this preventive action, the Command deployed adequate manpower, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads, to the premises earmarked for the ceremony,” the statement reads.

“Their presence was to guarantee that the event did not hold as planned and to ensure that public order and peace within the area were not compromised.”

Oluseyi said the suspects have been remanded at the command headquarters in Ikeja, and will be charged upon conclusion of inquiries into their activities.

Olohundare Jimoh, the state commissioner of police, urged the public to be wary of impostors seeking to exploit cultural institutions.

He warned that such acts are unlawful and capable of disturbing public peace.

“The Command will continue to enforce the law firmly and decisively against any individual or group engaging in acts that undermine legality, public order, and the integrity of the state,” Jimoh said.