By JKNewsMedia
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS are underway at the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) after one of its staff members, Mr. Olukayode John Adetifa, was cleared of fraud allegations but found to have breached the agency’s operational policy.
According to an official statement from LASAA, the internal investigation followed a viral social media post accusing Mr. Adetifa of collecting N45,000 from a client, MJ Beauty Salon, through his personal Opay account and issuing a receipt for only N7,100.
The agency, in response, directed him to report immediately for an internal review and disciplinary hearing.
The management emphasised that all its payments must be processed strictly through official government channels, in line with its “no cash” and “no personal account” policy, which ensures transparency in all transactions.
The fact-finding panel, according to LASAA, included a visit to the complainant’s business premises to verify the claims.
The investigation established that the incident arose from a misunderstanding during an effort to regularise the client’s unregistered signs.
Mr. Adetifa explained to the disciplinary committee that MJ Beauty Salon had several unregistered signs scheduled for enforcement.
During a final visit, the client expressed willingness to pay the outstanding registration fees but claimed she was unwell and requested his help to complete the online transaction.
He said he declined the cash offer but agreed to use his personal account to facilitate the official payment, assuring her that the transaction would reflect on the agency’s system.
He further detailed that the N40,000 received from the client covered the Application Processing Fee of N7,140, the Permit Fee of N28,880 and payment gateway charges.
He maintained that the entire payment was duly remitted through the official online platform and that the client was present when the registration was completed.
The business owner, MJ Beauty Salon, later corroborated this account before the LASAA management team. She confirmed that Mr. Adetifa collected no gratification and apologised for the social media controversy, explaining that she was unaware of the viral post and did not authorise it.
She also disassociated herself from the X (formerly Twitter) handler who published the misleading account of the incident.
Following the investigation, LASAA cleared Mr. Adetifa of any fraudulent intent but confirmed he violated agency policy by using a personal account for a client transaction.
“It is glaring that our staff, though having no fraudulent intent as seen from his explanation and that of the client, has still committed an offence by collecting client’s money in his personal account contrary to the agency’s policy,” LASAA stated.
The agency noted that appropriate disciplinary measures would be applied in accordance with the Public Service Rules once the committee finalises its report.
LASAA used the opportunity to remind the public that all its processes are fully automated and self-service, stressing that it does not engage agents for payment collection.
The management reiterated that all payments must be made directly through the official channels provided on its website and not through any individual staff member.
“The public is advised to adhere strictly to our no-cash policy and avoid making payments to personal accounts under any circumstances,” the agency added.
LASAA also warned against spreading unverified information on social media, noting that false claims could damage reputations and erode public trust in government institutions.
The management further encouraged citizens to report legitimate complaints through proper channels to ensure accountability and prompt resolution.
Lastly, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency and ethical conduct among its workforce, stating that strict compliance with internal procedures remains a core standard of public service in Lagos State.
