Beggars on the streets of Lagos have just lost their only source of income – begging – courtesy of the Babatunde Fashola administration. Simply put, it is now an offence (a big one) to solicit for alms in Lagos!
Lagos state has warned against the operation of beggars in several parts of the state, arresting 39 beggars at the Special Offences Court in Alausa, Ikeja.
The 39 beggars pleaded guilty to the
offences and were consequently remanded in Kirikiri and Badagry Prisons.
However, nine of them were then taken to the state Rehabilitation Home,
Majidun, Ikorodu as a result of their disabilities. They were sentenced
to several hours of community service, some with the option of N5,000
and N10,000 fines, and some without the option of fine.
offences and were consequently remanded in Kirikiri and Badagry Prisons.
However, nine of them were then taken to the state Rehabilitation Home,
Majidun, Ikorodu as a result of their disabilities. They were sentenced
to several hours of community service, some with the option of N5,000
and N10,000 fines, and some without the option of fine.
Here’s what the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Social Development Dolapo Badru has to say on the issue “Some people believe that if they
are unlucky in certain cases, what they need to do is to give alms to
beggars so that their fortune can change. A lot of beggars now prey on
these people’s superstitious beliefs to get money from them. Many of
them pretend to be blind or crippled. They make more money than many
employed people.”
are unlucky in certain cases, what they need to do is to give alms to
beggars so that their fortune can change. A lot of beggars now prey on
these people’s superstitious beliefs to get money from them. Many of
them pretend to be blind or crippled. They make more money than many
employed people.”