Drama in Lagos: Police Arrest Fake ‘Obi of Lagos’ Over N1.5bn Palace Scam

The Lagos State Police Command has busted an audacious attempt to create a parallel traditional authority in the heart of the state, arresting a 65-year-old man and three accomplices who unlawfully paraded themselves as custodians of a non-existent title — the “Obi of Lagos.”

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, describing the alleged scheme as a calculated ploy to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

According to intelligence reports, the suspects had concluded elaborate plans to launch a prototype of a fictitious N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” this Saturday at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, operatives sealed off the venue to prevent a breach of public peace and protect residents from falling victim to the charade,” Oluseyi disclosed.

The police deployed a heavy security presence, including conventional officers, the Eko Strike Force, and other tactical squads, to completely dismantle the illegal installation ceremony.

The suspects are now in custody, with investigations ongoing to uncover the full scope of the plot and those bankrolling it.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a stern warning to impostors seeking to exploit revered cultural institutions for selfish 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 undermining legality, order, and the integrity of our state,” Jimoh declared.

He assured Lagosians that the police remain fully committed to protecting traditional institutions from being hijacked by fraudsters, stressing that acts capable of destabilising the state under the guise of traditional authority will be crushed without hesitation.

With the arrest, the police believe they have thwarted a potential scandal of monumental proportions, warning citizens to remain vigilant against impostors peddling fake titles and fraudulent legacies.