Salau Mohroof Adetolu, a civil servant attached to the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, was arrested by the Anti-Crime Division of Okeodo Police Station. He faces allegations of impersonating a revenue officer for Agbado Okeodo LCDA and fraudulently extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public in the local government and neighboring areas.
Adetolu, identified as Oracle Number-86159 and currently posted to Iba LCDA, confessed under interrogation that he had been involved in this illicit activity for over six years while working with the local government. He is accused of carrying fake payment receipts and official documents, including letterheads from both the local government and the State Workers Union (NULGE), to deceive victims into believing he was a legitimate revenue officer. Through these fraudulent means, he collected large sums of money, purportedly for statutory annual levies that business owners were required to pay.
Local government officials have long been criticized by the public for exploiting citizens by posing as revenue officers and fraudulently collecting payments under false pretenses, despite directives prohibiting such practices. Adetolu’s arrest comes amid growing complaints about these abuses.
After his arrest, Adetolu was reportedly granted bail by the police after providing a written confession and an undertaking, a decision that has sparked public concern. Authorities are now being urged to prosecute the case thoroughly to ensure justice is served.
There are also calls for stronger measures to prevent such acts of criminality, which undermine local government projects meant to benefit the community. The Lagos State Local Government Service Commission has been urged to take decisive action in disciplining officers involved in such illegal activities, ensuring that professionalism is upheld within the civil service. This would serve as a deterrent to other potential wrongdoers and restore the public’s faith in the system.