The Lagos State Government has warned that it will evoke the relevant criminal code laws on anyone found begging or constituting him or herself into destitution in the State.
The state’s Commissioner for Youth, Sport and Social Development, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, gave the warning following the growing number destitues and beggars in the state.
The commissioner noted with deep concern the dimension to which the menace has negatively affected the socio-economic life of Lagosians and their environment.
He therefore warned all those acting in form of cabals that feed fat on the proceeds of the illicit trade to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Commissioner said the criminal code law, Cap 32 Section 249 B and Section 250 Sub-section 2 and 3 laws of Lagos State, which prohibit begging or encouraging children to do so is still in force. He stressed that offenders risk jail terms ranging from one to 12 months.
The commissioner said these sets of people constitute great risks to law abiding citizens of Lagos and the public at large. He observed that most of the beggars feigned disability to deceive unsuspecting members of the public who, traditionally or due to religious beliefs, willingly give them alms.
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