Planned arraignment of Obi of Lagos stalled as court adjourns till Oct 31

Ebun Emmanuel — October 21, 2025

The arrangement of Chibuike Azubuike, aka Obi of Lagos, at the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa was stalled following the absence of one of his co-defendants.

Azubuike is standing trial alongside Martins Nwaodika, Chibuzor Ani, and Sunday Udeh on three counts of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and the unlawful creation of chieftaincy titles without government authorization.

The defendants were to be arraigned on Monday, October 20, 2025, but proceedings were stalled after Udeh failed to appear before the court. The presiding judge consequently adjourned the case to October 31, 2025, for proper arraignment and ordered that the first three defendants remain in police custody pending the next sitting.

A bench warrant was also issued against Udeh for failing to attend court.

The alleged offences were committed between August and September 13, 2025, in the Ikotun area of Lagos. The defendants are accused of unlawfully assembling to create and confer the titles “Obi Ndigbo Lagos State” and “Dike-Oha Ndigbo Lagos State” at an address in Lawanson, Surulere, without lawful authority.

The offences were said to have contravene Sections 411 and 34 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.