LASAA Upholds Integrity, Disciplines Officer Over Transaction Breach
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade, Lagos
The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has cleared one of its staff members of fraud allegations that recently trended on social media but confirmed that disciplinary action will still be taken for violating its operational procedures.
In a statement issued by the agency, LASAA said its internal investigation found that the staff member, Mr. Olukayode John Adetifa, did not engage in fraudulent conduct but breached the agency’s strict no-cash policy by using his personal bank account for a client transaction.
The allegation originated from a viral social media post accusing Mr. Adetifa, who works at LASAA’s Alimosho Branch Office, of improperly collecting ₦45,000 from a client, MJ Beauty Salon, through his personal Opay account while issuing a receipt for only ₦7,100.
Following the public outcry, LASAA swiftly issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the claim and directed Mr. Adetifa to report to the agency’s head office for immediate investigation and disciplinary proceedings. The management also reaffirmed that all payments for LASAA services must be made strictly through designated government channels.
A subsequent inquiry by the agency’s disciplinary panel, which included a visit to the business owner, revealed further context to the incident.
According to LASAA, Mr. Adetifa explained that the business had multiple unregistered signs due for enforcement. During a follow-up visit, the salon owner agreed to pay but requested his assistance to process the transaction online as she was feeling unwell. Adetifa stated that he declined a cash offer but eventually helped the client complete the payment using his personal account to facilitate the process.
He reportedly collected ₦40,000, which covered an Application Processing Fee of ₦7,140, a Permit Fee of ₦28,880, and payment gateway charges. The transaction, he said, was carried out transparently in the client’s presence.
In a later interview with LASAA officials, the owner of MJ Beauty Salon corroborated this explanation, confirming that Mr. Adetifa collected no gratification. She expressed regret over the viral post, saying she was unaware of it and apologised for the misunderstanding, disassociating herself from the social media account that misrepresented the incident.
Despite this clarification, LASAA maintained that the staff’s conduct violated the agency’s internal regulations.
“It is glaring that our staff, though found to have no fraudulent intent as confirmed by the client’s testimony, still committed an offence by collecting the client’s money into his personal account, contrary to the agency’s policy,” the statement read.
The agency said Mr. Adetifa would face sanctions in accordance with the Public Service Rules upon the conclusion of the disciplinary committee’s report.
LASAA reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency, ethical conduct, and due process, reminding clients that the agency operates a fully automated, self-service platform and does not engage any agents.
The management also cautioned the public against spreading false or misleading information capable of undermining public trust in government institutions, urging individuals to verify and report genuine concerns through proper channels.
