The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 65-year-old man and three accomplices who attempted to deceive the public by staging an unauthorised traditional installation ceremony, where the suspect falsely presented himself as the “Obi of Lagos.”
Deputy Superintendent of Police Babaseyi Oluseyi, the command’s deputy spokesperson, announced the arrests in an official statement released on Wednesday. The operation resulted in the detention of four individuals, including the main suspect and three co-conspirators aged 41, 51, and 65.
The primary suspect, identified as a native of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, had orchestrated an elaborate scheme to establish legitimacy for his fraudulent title.
Intelligence reports revealed that the group had made comprehensive preparations to unveil what they claimed would be a N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin this Saturday. The scale of the planned deception prompted immediate police intervention.
“Acting on the 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 explained.
The Lagos State Police Command deployed substantial resources to prevent the ceremony from proceeding. Multiple units, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads, were stationed at the intended venue to maintain public order and prevent potential unrest.
The swift police action successfully prevented the fraudulent ceremony and protected potential victims from being exploited by the scheme.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue into their activities. Authorities have indicated that the findings will be made public upon completion, and the individuals will face appropriate charges in court.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has issued a public warning about similar fraudulent activities. He urged residents to remain alert to impostors and criminal elements who attempt to exploit respected cultural and traditional institutions for personal benefit.
“Such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and capable of breaching the peace of the society,” the commissioner stated.
The police command has emphasised its commitment to enforcing the law decisively against any individual or group whose actions undermine legality, public order, and state integrity.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting traditional institutions from exploitation and maintaining public trust in legitimate cultural practices.
