The Lagos State Government has stopped the amputee lady hawking water and drinks in Oshodi, Mary Daniel, from accessing the $60,000 that was donated to her by Nigerians.
The Nation reported that some lies were found in the story of the young woman.
Mary had claimed that she lost her leg to an accident that claimed the life of all the passengers including that of her parents.
According to her, she was left with a child and her grandmother to fend for, noting that she hawked to put some food on the table.
However, shortly after her birthday, the government found out that Mary’s father is alive and that her leg had been amputated from birth.
It was reported that her presence in Oshodi was staged and her lies were discovered when the people she worked with started to threaten to expose her if she does not give them their own share of the donation.
Speaking to newsmen, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Hakeem Odumosu further confirmed that Miss Mary is presently in the custody of the officials of Social Welfare and not the police.
He said:
“The police were there but she was not handed over to us. She was handed over to the Social Welfare. There were irregularities and lies in the account of her life she gave.
“It was discovered that contrary to her claim that her parents died during an accident that left her amputated, it was discovered that her father is very much alive and that she was amputated from birth.
“It was also discovered that her presence in Oshodi was staged. Those working with her played on the intelligence of Nigerians to get donations for her.
” It came to light when the people started threatening her. She promised some N500,000 others different amounts and was planning to return to her home state when the information leaked.
“I had to attach some policemen to her to prevent any attack on her when she went to the bank. We suspected those people might follow her but everything went well as they were not seen.
“Presently, the state government is preventing her from accessing the money.
“The government does not want a situation where it will become a trend for people to cook up stories, manipulate the people to get donations”