NYPD Three-Star Chief Olufunmilola Obe Achieves Law Degree

Nigerian-born Obe overcomes family resistance to join NYPD, rises through ranks while earning law degree at night

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Olufunmilola Obe, a three-star chief in the NYPD's Transportation Bureau, has achieved a lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer. Born in the U.S. but raised in Nigeria, Obe moved to New York City at age 19 and joined the NYPD in 1994, working her way up through the ranks while also attending law school at night. She passed the bar exam in 2022, adding a law degree to her impressive policing career.

Why it matters

Obe's story highlights the power of determination and ambition, as she overcame family resistance to pursue a career in law enforcement and then further advanced her education and career. Her journey from Nigerian schoolgirl to NYPD chief and lawyer is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

The details

Obe, who was born in the U.S. but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, moved to New York City in 1989 at age 19. She enrolled at City College and worked at JCPenney to make ends meet. It was during this time that she discovered the NYPD's cadet program, which she joined despite her family's initial opposition to her working in law enforcement. Obe became a patrol officer in 1994 and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a three-star chief in 2023 and overseeing the NYPD's Transportation Bureau. All the while, she was also attending law school at night, finally passing the bar exam in 2022.

  • Obe moved to New York City in March 1989 at age 19.
  • Obe joined the NYPD as a patrol officer in 1994.
  • Obe became a three-star chief in the NYPD in 2023.
  • Obe passed the bar exam and earned her law degree in 2022.

The players

Olufunmilola Obe

A three-star chief in the NYPD's Transportation Bureau who was born in the U.S. but raised in Nigeria, and overcame family resistance to join the NYPD, rising through the ranks while also earning a law degree.

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What they’re saying

“My family was a little resistant to the idea of working in law enforcement. It may be the fear of the unknown, because I don't have a single family member, even in Nigeria, that's tied to law enforcement.”

— Olufunmilola Obe, NYPD Three-Star Chief (amny.com)

“I always wanted my entire life, even during childhood, to be a lawyer. I always wanted to do it. But it just took a little time getting there. I started law school in 2018. So, four years of night school.”

— Olufunmilola Obe, NYPD Three-Star Chief (amny.com)

“I would say to that little girl: I thank God for my successes, my ups and downs. I thank my family. I'm really grateful for family and grateful for the support over the years, also, but for me, just, I thank God for everything in my life.”

— Olufunmilola Obe, NYPD Three-Star Chief (amny.com)

What’s next

Obe plans to continue her career with the NYPD while also exploring opportunities to mentor the next generation of law enforcement officers and lawyers.

The takeaway

Olufunmilola Obe's journey from Nigerian schoolgirl to NYPD three-star chief and lawyer is a testament to the power of determination, ambition, and perseverance. Her story inspires others to pursue their dreams, even in the face of adversity or doubts from family and friends.