The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man who allegedly attempted to mislead the public by unlawfully parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos” during an unauthorised installation exercise.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, confirming that the suspect and three alleged accomplices were arrested.
According to the police, intelligence reports revealed that the group had concluded plans to unveil a prototype of a purported N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
‘’Acting on this information, the police promptly sealed off the venue in order to forestall any breach of the peace and to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being misled.
Oluseyi, said the principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike ‘m’, aged 65 years, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North LGA of Imo State, was arrested alongside three co-conspirators: Chief Chibuzor Ani ‘m’, aged 57 years; Chief Martins Nwaodika ‘m’, aged 65 years; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi ‘m’, aged 41 year
Oluseyi said all four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
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.
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.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, warned members of the public against falling victim to impostors exploiting traditional and cultural institutions for personal gain.
“Such unlawful acts are not only criminal but also a direct affront to the statutes of Lagos State and a threat to societal peace. The command will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone found undermining legality, order, and the integrity of our state,” the CP cautioned.
He stressed that the police remain committed to decisively curbing any acts capable of destabilising the state under the guise of traditional authority.
