Lagos State Police Command has disclosed that Chibuike Azubike, who recently proclaimed himself the “Obi of Lagos” and announced plans to unveil a ₦1.5 billion palace, is not an engineer as he claimed.
Gatekeepers News reports that Azubike was arrested on Saturday alongside Chibuzor Ani, 57; Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Ikechukwu Franklin Nadi, 41.
Police said the group had planned to unveil a prototype of the so-called palace on September 13 in Amuwo Odofin.
In a statement on Friday, Babaseyi Oluseyi, spokesperson for the command, revealed that investigations showed Azubike is merely a supplier of construction materials and not a qualified engineer.
He added that the proposed palace unveiling was a fraudulent scheme designed to swindle unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of a grand chieftaincy project.
The statement reads, “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 police further stated that Azubike acted alone without the recognition or backing of any legitimate chieftaincy authority. Residents were urged to disregard his claims and social media posts.
Olohundare Jimoh, Lagos commissioner of police, advised the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and assured that the suspects will face prosecution once investigations are completed.
