The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has cleared one of its staff members, Olukayode John Adetifa, of allegations of fraud that recently went viral on social media.
However, the agency confirmed that disciplinary measures will still be taken against him for violating the organisation’s ‘no cash’ policy.
The incident began when a social media post accused Adetifa, attached to LASAA’s Alimosho Branch Office, of fraudulently collecting N45,000 from MJ Beauty Salon, a client, through his personal Opay account, while issuing an official receipt of only N7,100.
The post quickly gained traction online, prompting LASAA to release an official statement addressing the allegation.
In its statement, the agency said it immediately directed Adetifa to report for investigation and disciplinary proceedings, stressing that all payments for signage and advertisement services must be made strictly through designated government channels.
LASAA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in all its dealings.
A fact-finding exercise by LASAA’s disciplinary panel, which included a visit to the business owner, revealed that the situation was more nuanced than initially portrayed.
According to Adetifa’s testimony, MJ Beauty Salon had several unregistered signs and was due for enforcement.
During his visit to encourage compliance, the client was said to have offered to pay the outstanding fees.
When she complained of feeling unwell and unable to complete the online payment herself, she requested his assistance.
Adetifa admitted to helping her make the official payment using his personal account, collecting N40,000 to cover the full fees for three signs, including an application processing fee of N7,140, a permit fee of N28,880, and payment gateway charges.
He said he registered the signs online in the client’s presence and assured her she would receive an email confirmation.
The salon owner later confirmed his version of events to LASAA’s management, stating she was unaware of the viral post and had no issues with Adetifa.
She apologised for the misunderstanding and distanced herself from the social media account that shared the false narrative.
While exonerating Adetifa of fraud, LASAA noted that his actions still breached internal policies.
‘Though our staff had no fraudulent intent, he has still committed an offence by collecting a client’s money in his personal account, contrary to the Agency’s policy,’ the management said.
The agency added that appropriate sanctions would be applied in line with the Public Service Rules once the disciplinary committee concludes its report.
LASAA used the occasion to remind Lagos residents to follow due process and avoid paying cash or transferring funds to personal accounts under any circumstances.
It reiterated that all agency processes are automated, transparent, and self-service through its official website.
The agency also warned the public against spreading unverified information online, noting that such actions could undermine public trust and the reputation of government institutions.