Lagos State Safety Commission has distanced itself from a woman caught in a viral video allegedly extorting money from residents in Oworonshoki while claiming to be a staff member of the agency.
In a statement released on Thursday, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Okoh Adewunmi, clarified that the woman, identified as “Mariam,” has no affiliation whatsoever with the agency.
“The attention of the Lagos State Safety Commission has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media, in which one Mariam claims to be a staff member of the commission and is alleged to have collected bribes from unsuspecting members of the public in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State,” the statement read.
“We wish to categorically state that the said Mariam is not and has never been an employee of the Lagos State Safety Commission. Her actions are not in any way connected to the commission and do not represent our values or operations,” Adewunmi added.
The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance toward corruption, extortion, and all unethical conduct. It also urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any impostors or fraudulent activities through its verified communication channels.
A video shared by Lagos Reporters and reviewed by our correspondent showed the woman wearing a reflective vest branded with the Lagos State logo. She was confronted by residents for allegedly demanding illegal payments during supposed “safety inspections.”
In the footage, the woman admitted to receiving money from residents who lacked the required documentation, claiming they preferred to “settle” her instead of visiting the commission’s office.
The impostor allegedly collected as much as N300,000 from residents under the guise of conducting official inspections, with none of the funds remitted to the state government.
