By Amah
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The police in Lagos have arrested a man over a planned phoney installation as the “Obi of Lagos”.
The 65-year-old suspect, who was identified as Engr. Chibuike Azubike from Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Imo State, had allegedly been misleading the public, was arrested during an unapproved installation exercise at Apple Hall, in the Amuwo Odofin area of the state.
Confirming the development in a statement, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, the Deputy spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, disclosed that the suspect was arrested alongside three alleged accomplices, Chief Chibuzor Ani, 57; Chief Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41.
The police had, following credible intelligence, unearthed plans of the group to unveil a prototype of a purported N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State.”
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives sealed off the venue to prevent a breach of public peace and to protect unsuspecting residents from being deceived,” Oluseyi said.
He added that the command deployed a heavy security presence, including conventional officers, the Eko Strike Force, and other tactical units, to ensure the planned event was completely disrupted and public order maintained.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects are currently in detention while investigations continue into their activities, assuring that the outcome of the probe would be made public, and those found culpable would be prosecuted.
Olohundare Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police, insisted that the police are committed to forestalling any acts that threaten the peace under the guise of traditional authority and urged members of the public to be wary not to deceived by impostors, who exploit traditional and cultural institutions for their selfish interests.
“Such unlawful acts are not only criminal but also a direct affront to the statutes of Lagos State and a threat to societal peace,” Jimoh warned.
“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.”
Some Igbo residents in the state have frowned at the development and urged the law enforcement agents to deal decisively with the suspects of the allegation is proven.
“The Igbo have neither Obi nor Eze in the Diaspora, Lagos in particular. Anyone purporting to be one is a criminal and an impostor and must be dealt with according to the law. They do not represent the Igbo but are out to create crisis between the Igbo and their Yoruba hosts. This must not be allowed to happen,” Mazi Afam Okonkwo, a resident of Agboju fumed.
